We use affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of these links, we may receive compensation or commission.
Okay, confession time: I’ve always wondered why it’s so hard to break bad habits but also why some things—like brushing your teeth or making coffee every morning—become second nature. So, I dove into the science of habit-building, and let me tell you, it’s fascinating (and a little mind-blowing).
Turns out, our brains are pretty efficient. They’re constantly looking for ways to automate repetitive actions to save energy, which makes sense if you think about it. Every time we do something over and over—whether it’s scrolling through our phones at bedtime or reaching for that afternoon snack—the brain creates a neural pathway. It’s like forging a trail in the forest. At first, it’s just a tiny path, but the more you walk it, the clearer and easier that path becomes. Before you know it, your brain doesn’t even need to think twice. Bam! You’re on autopilot.
FITVII Fitness Tracker, Smart Watch with 24/7 Blood Pressure Heart Rate and Blood Oxygen Monitor, Sleep Tracker with Calorie Step Counter, IP68 Waterproof Activity Tracker for Women Men Android iOS
My Habit-Breaking Experiment
So, I started experimenting with this knowledge to “hack” my own brain. I realized that if I could build a habit, I could also break one—but it takes a little work. First, I had to recognize those deeply ingrained pathways (like, why am I always reaching for my phone the moment I wake up?). Then, instead of focusing on the bad habit I wanted to break, I started focusing on what I wanted to replace it with.
Here’s what I did: Every time I wanted to grab my phone first thing in the morning, I’d remind myself to reach for a book instead. At first, it was super hard. My brain had already built a nice, comfy neural pathway for my phone habit, and the book pathway was barely visible. But, little by little, I started to choose the book. And you know what? After a few weeks, it felt easier. My brain was carving out a new trail.
Why Your Brain Loves (and Hates) Change
Here’s the kicker: your brain loves habits because they save energy, but it also hates change for the same reason. When you try to break a habit, your brain resists because it’s used to the easy route. This is why it’s so tough at the start—it feels like you’re pushing against a mountain. But stick with it long enough, and the new habit starts to feel just as automatic as the old one.
This beautifully designed journal offers 30 pages of vibrant, personalized content, thoughtfully crafted to inspire and support your health journey. Each page is filled with colorful prompts and engaging activities to help you reflect, set goals, and track your progress in a fun and meaningful way.
I’m no expert, but this little trick worked wonders for me. I replaced my morning phone habit with reading, swapped out my late-night snack with herbal tea, and I’m even working on making exercise a more regular part of my routine (though that one’s still a work in progress).
The Science Behind the Magic
Here’s why all of this works: every time you repeat a habit, your brain releases a bit of dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel good. It’s like your brain’s way of rewarding you for sticking with something. The more you do it, the more your brain craves that reward. So, once you start forming new, healthier habits, your brain eventually gets just as excited about them as it did with the old ones.
The key takeaway? Your brain is a powerhouse of efficiency. Once you understand how it builds and reinforces habits, you can use that knowledge to your advantage. It’s like having a personal brain coach on hand, helping you create the life you want—one neural pathway at a time.
Ready to Take Control of Your Habits?
Building better habits starts with small, intentional changes. Whether you're aiming to read more, exercise regularly, or just create a healthier routine, your brain is ready to help you succeed! Start today—choose one habit you want to build or break, and take that first step.
Sign up for my newsletter to get weekly tips and motivation on creating lasting habits and living your best life!
Sign Up Here
