Habits & you

I was going to write about the positive power of habits, but it was 1pm, so I munched on some handy corn chips despite not being really hungry.

Procrastination delayed my start until the following dawn. But as a habitual early exerciser, I had to go for a jog first, followed by my usual reward of a strong coffee.

Now to work, but only after a chocolate biscuit as an incentive.

These are common enough habits. It’s claimed 43% of our behaviour is habitual, that’s to say, ‘performed repeatedly and automatically usually without awareness.’

Given many New Year’s resolutions might have already bitten the dust - and likewise, a booze-free February (I’m guilty too) -  you might think good habits are more challenging to instill than bad ones.

But change is possible, and routines - far from boring - can be a real help.

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, so how do you in later life manipulate your habits for the best?

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The conventional wisdom has been developing and maintaining good habits takes real work while the bad ones are easier to slip into and seductive.

But there’s evidence that making enough small positive changes around all your habits can result in much more extensive benefits than you’d imagine.

There’s a growing literature on the subject. I know because one of my bad habits is to buy books on impulse and not finish reading one before the next arrives…

There are now three such works by my bedside designed to make better behaviours almost automatic. They are:

• Why we do what we do and how to change: The Power of Habit
• Get 1% better every day: Atomic Habits
• The small changes that change everything: Tiny Habits

The basic message of all of them seems to be: don’t shun routine. As Melbourne habit writer Karen Morley says, 

“If our habits are in line with our purpose and goals… they buoy us up rather than weigh us down.”

Routine is one of the gifts that later life seems to welcome and deliver. I’ve noticed life getting far more anchored by practices such as: walking the dog around the block at noon, the cycle ride with pals every Sunday at 730am and popping into the Nelson pub at 6.45 pm every Friday. 

Many of us noticed one way to get through the lockdowns (as prisoners well recognise) is to pace your whole day with routine activities done almost without thought or planning.

A good tip from Karen Morley is that one of the most efficient habits is to adopt a positive morning mindset. If you wake up in the right frame of mind, and good morning habits like shaving for me at least are a part of this, it sets you up for a better day.

But how about the more difficult habits to adopt? Here’s a list of 13 that science proves can reduce ill-health, make you happier and extend your life. So there’s a definite incentive to change.

The first three are not too impossible or unpredictable: avoid overeating, eat more nuts, and try out turmeric. 

The habits to break for those who need to are tougher: don’t smoke and moderate alcohol intake.

The answer may be to change your habits. Don’t buy cheap booze to stockpile at home, avoid places where you are allowed a puff, make a curry once a week, etc.

So this year, I’m going to be studying my habits, handpicking those I need and want to change, and with advice from the above authors and patience, seeing what’s achievable.

I’ll report back and may even get these blogs written by deadline. In the meantime, what are your experiences in trying to break and form new habits, be they good or bad?

Any information contained in this communication is general advice, it does not take into account your individual circumstances, objectives, financial situation or needs.