Habits get a lot of attention this time of the year, particularly habit change. The degree of attention varies from strategic planning to passing thoughts, but there is a heightened awareness of the opportunity to examine one’s habits and consider making changes in the new year. A new year feels like a blank slate, an invitation for a fresh start. Habit change, however, is not known to be a straightforward endeavor. The mystery and difficulty tied to sustainable habit change has endured the test of time.
Habits are automatic. When a behavior grows into a habit, that behavior no longer requires focused attention, it occurs subconsciously. It is a powerful thing. Habits form to meet a specific need. Labeled as either "good" or "bad," habits take shape with repetition and time, offering a glimpse of your priorities & shaping your way of living. Think for a moment about your own habits. What habits are present in your life? It is likely that you want to reinforce & maintain what you define as "good" habits, while looking for ways to alter or eliminate "bad" habits. Shaping the habits you want largely depends on connecting with something deeper than priorities; your values.
Values are the drivers of habit; the force behind the automacity. Values define what is most important to you in life. They differ from priorities, which tend to be circumstantial. Values range from experiences (like adventure) to character traits (like optimism) & so much more. Values can be inherited from family, culture, community, etc., and independently adopted. Values are the foundation of behavior, habits are the mechanism. The relationship between the two is closely linked, and when values are clear, supporting habits have an edge. When it comes to habits, you are better equipped to work with, not against yourself when you are in tune with what matters most, creating the framework for building, refining, and sustaining desirable habits.
When asked about my own habits, I first highlight the value that sparked their development. For example, I place a high value on efficiency. This largely influences how I make decisions, manage my time & energy, and respond to circumstances. These habits vary, but are centered around making the best use of my time and resources. If I can "kill two birds with one stone," and save a little time in the process, it's a win for me! Out of a need for efficiency, I have developed both “good” habits (like thinking ahead) & “bad” habits (like avoiding tedious projects) to create & preserve efficiency in my life.
If you feel compelled to integrate or change a certain habit in your life, there’s a good chance that a value is connected. What might that be for you? If you don't really know what you value, this is a great time to make those discoveries. It is important to remember that even with deeply held values, there is space for inconsistency & imperfection in holding to them. We aren’t robots. Living your values & building habits is an ever-evolving process that is personal to you & your life in all seasons.
When your habits are in sync with your values, it’s evident. Knowing what is most important removes some of the mystery & difficulty out of habit change & development. Doing what is most important becomes the priority.
"Habit, if not resisted, soon becomes necessity." -Saint Augustine
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