Changing environments can support habit change from "summary" of Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg,InstaRead Summaries Staff
When people try to change a habit, they often focus on willpower and motivation. They believe that if they just try hard enough, they can overcome their old habits and develop new ones. However, research has shown that willpower is not enough to sustain long-term habit change. Instead, changing environments can be a powerful tool in supporting habit change. By changing the physical, social, or emotional environments in which habits occur, people can make it easier to break old habits and develop new ones. For example, if someone wants to stop eating unhealthy snacks, they can remove those snacks from their home and replace them with healthier options. This change in environment makes it easier for them to resist temptation and stick to their new habit of eating healthily. Similarly, changing social environments can support habit change by surrounding oneself with people who have the habits they want to develop. For instance, if someone wants to start exercising regularly, they can join a gym or a sports team where they will be surrounded by others who prioritize physical activity. Being in this supportive social environment can help them stay motivated and committed to their new habit. Emotional environments can also play a role in habit change. People often turn to old habits as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or boredom. By finding healthier ways to manage their emotions, such as practicing mindfulness or seeking support from friends and family, they can break the cycle of using unhealthy habits as a crutch.- Changing environments can provide the necessary support and structure for habit change to occur. Rather than relying solely on willpower, people can proactively create environments that make it easier to develop and maintain new habits. By understanding the power of environments in shaping behavior, individuals can set themselves up for success in changing their habits for the better.
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