40% of our actions are our habits, we don’t even know we are doing them.
Habits have a powerful impact on our lives. What are your positive habits?
What are habits you have that cause harm to you or others?
Our habits are driven by what we crave and the reward we receive from the actions we take to fulfill that craving.
For our bad habits, the difficult part is not just “kicking the habit” but instead figuring out what we TRULY crave that is causing the habit.
Here is an example – for smokers, it is not just about craving nicotine (although research has shown that it is a highly addictive substance). If that were the case, people would be able to quit smoking by using the patch or nicotine gum. Research has shown that only about 10% of smokers can stop the habit of smoking by using other means of receiving nicotine. Instead, it is about something more. Like connecting with others, going to a public area where you can smoke typically puts you in contact with other people, and that is often what people are craving, community, conversation, and togetherness. (Note this is just an example).
Aristotle puts it this way, “We are what we repeatedly do.”
If that is the case, then what are you? What do you repeatedly do?
There are different components to the habits that we have:
Cue: the trigger that kicks off the habitual behavior. Cues that prompt routine behaviors, or habits, vary widely. They can take a lot of different forms.The Routine: the action that we have that works to fulfill that craving often it is our automatic actions The Reward is whatever the behavior (or routine) does for you. We only do that which gives us rewards. Think about babies . . . they, as they age, develop habits. They cry for what they need, we give them what they need, and they learn that crying helps them fulfill their needs. Thus, crying becomes a reward. As they age and develop, we teach them new ways of receiving what they need instead of relying on negative behavior.
We can break our habits by having new behaviors/routines to fulfill our reward. In doing so, we must rely on our willpower.
But it is important to know, we have a limited amount of willpower every day!
Once we’ve used up our willpower, that is when it is more difficult to withstand the bad habits.
As people of faith, we are given actions as outlined by the Apostle Paul relying on the teachings of Jesus, that allow us to develop positive habits.
Points from Romans 12:
Love from the center of who you are – no faking!
If it doesn’t lead to love (if it is evil) – run from it, cling to that which is good.
No cursing under your breath!
Get along with others, don’t be stuck up!
Make friends with people because of who they are, not what they can get you! Don’t be “the great somebody!”
Don’t hit back, instead discover the beauty in everyone!
Don’t try to get even!
Bless your enemies! Get the best of evil by doing good!
The difference between who you want to be and who you are is what you do.” – Charles Duhigg
What do you do?
As a church, our “habit” is loving others beyond ourselves. It is why we do what we do, like lead the Back to School Bash, a community event that empowers students to start school with the necessary school supplies, clothes, etc. while attending a fun, festival-like experience.
What habits do you have? Are your habits those that lead to good and lead to love?
