Moment 49 - How To Form Habits That Actually Stick: Professor Steve Peters

Mar 18, 2022 7m 10s 5 insights
This episode with Steve explores his "chimp model" of the brain, detailing how to manage the impulsive "chimp," logical "human," and value-driven "computer." It focuses on forming and breaking habits by understanding their conscious/unconscious nature and underlying drives or experiences.
Actionable Insights

1. Program Core Beliefs for Habits

Program your “computer” (core values and beliefs) to unconsciously guide your impulsive “chimp” towards desired behaviors, even in split-second decisions, by linking actions to significant outcomes like relationship health.

2. Identify Unconscious Behavioral Patterns

Bring unconscious habits to conscious awareness by regularly asking yourself, “Is this how I want to be?” This allows you to evaluate and change behaviors you weren’t actively thinking about.

3. Manage Drive-Linked Habits

When forming habits related to powerful survival drives (like eating), address both the desired behavior and how to fulfill the underlying drive in a way that satisfies both your rational self and your impulsive “chimp.”

4. Shift to Rational Decisions

Consciously choose to make decisions from a rational “human” perspective rather than letting your emotional “chimp” react impulsively, especially when past negative experiences might lead to generalization and distrust.

5. Analyze Partner Selection Criteria

Examine the criteria you use to choose partners (e.g., physical looks, humor, values) to avoid repeating patterns of selecting individuals who lead to negative experiences or self-blame, thereby breaking unhelpful relationship habits.