Charles Duhigg's Tips on How to Break a Bad Habit
Wednesday, April 11, 2012 -- 8:00 AM
New York Times investigative reporter and best-selling author Charles Duhigg addressed how to break a bad habit. Here are Duhigg's simple steps to changing your routine into a healthier, more productive one.
Charles Duhigg Tips on How to Break a Bad Habit
Identify the routine.
For example, if you eat a cookie every afternoon at work, the routine may involve getting up, walking from your desk to the cafeteria, buying a cookie and chatting with colleagues.
Identify the reward.
What is it that the habit is providing? Is it really about being hungry for a cookie, or is does it deal with talking with co-workers and taking a break? Duhigg suggests new ways to get those rewards, such as buying a healthier treat, or instead of going to the cafeteria to see your co-workers, walk over to someone’s desk or office to talk.
Isolate the cue.
Figure out what’s triggering that behavior, and be aware of where you are, what time it is, and who is around you that may have sparked the urge.
Have a plan.
So you can tell yourself: “The next time I see the cue, I’m going to do ‘x’ and my reward is going to be ‘y.’” The doc recommends replacing the cookie with another action. If you repeat new routines long enough, in time, it can become a habit.
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