The brain behind “The Habit Coach” podcast, the acclaimed author of books like “Change Your Habits Change Your Life”, “One Habit a Day: 31 Habits to Transform Your Life”, and “Book Of Good Habits For Kids” and a renowned Tedx Speaker, Ashdin Doctor simplifies the intricacies of habit formation, making it accessible to all.
In this insightful interview, Ashdin shares the profound impact that habits have on our daily lives and how habits are formed in our brains, besides the challenges individuals face in cultivating new habits, and the crucial role of mindset and identity shifts in sustaining positive changes.
Discover Ashdin’s unique approach to breaking bad habits, his perspective on the significance of accountability, and the delicate art of balancing multiple habit changes simultaneously. He also shares his top tips for those seeking positive life changes through habit formation, encouraging readers to envision the life they desire and choose one habit to propel them toward that vision.
Here’s Ashdin Doctor with Provoke Lifestyle guiding us with the journey of self-improvement and habit transformation, and paving the way for a fulfilling and intentional new year.
- How do you define habits, and why are they so integral to our daily lives?
I define a habit as any conscious or subconscious thought or action that is repeated at a set frequency. This means that our thoughts are also habits and we need to start focusing on our thoughts daily. In fact, our entire lives are nothing but a collection of habits that we have created. Unfortunately, most of these were created subconsciously. - Could you walk us through how habits are formed in our brains?
Habits are stored in the Basal Ganglia a part of our forebrain. The key to a habit is repetition, repetition. Every time we do a habit the brain creates more neurons for that habit making it stronger. It is like putting a thicker cable, hence there is less resistance for that habit in the future. - What are the most common challenges people face when trying to form new habits?
The environment often does not allow them to form a new habit. Either their friend or family members prevent them from starting something new. Very often our biggest critics are our loved ones. We want to eat healthy and they make fun of us being on a diet. This is the biggest challenge most people face. Not having supportive people. - Why do you think people often choose the New Year as a time to set resolutions and form new habits?
It is a great way of thinking about a new beginning. A new year can be a very positive factor to change your life. However a new year comes after a long time. Instead, I like to use the moon cycle of 28 days to create new habit changes. This way there are at least 12 opportunities to change my life each year. - What are the key factors that contribute to the success of habit formation?
Factor one is making the habit easy to do. Very often we make the habit so hard to do that we never get around to doing it. The second is having a supportive system around you to push you to change your life. The third is to have a clear vision for your life and what you want it to be. - How can individuals effectively break bad habits they’ve developed over time?
In my book “Change Your Habits Change Your Life”, I tell people not to break a habit or force a habit out. Instead, I write about how you need to add more positive habits to your life, and negative habits automatically disappear when you do that. - Is there a particular mindset or identity shift that is crucial for sustaining positive habits?
Having the mindset of curiosity. Wanting to learn new things is essential. After that, you need to be able to change the way you think about yourself and the identity you create for yourself when forming a habit. For example, a person giving up smoking can’t refer to themselves as a smoker. Instead, they must now start calling themselves a non-smoker. This identity helps maintain a habit. - How important is accountability in the habit-building process, and how can individuals stay accountable?
The best way is to use a habit tracker and an accountability partner. The habit tracker makes sure you know when you missed a habit and when you did it. It also helps share that progress with an accountability partner. Whose job it is to be tough on you if you do not stick to your habit commitments? - Many people try to adopt multiple habits simultaneously. What advice do you have for balancing these efforts?
Never try changing more than three habits at a time. Many people make the mistake of trying to change too many habits at a go. This is a recipe for disaster. Your daily routine cannot be so overwhelmed with so many changes at a go. The magic number is three. - How can building positive habits contribute to overall health and wellness?
More than health and wellness it affects the quality of our entire life. There are positive relationship habits that help with friends and families. Productivity habits for work as well. So think about all aspects of your life. - What role do daily routines play in establishing and maintaining habits?
Routines are a collection of habits done one after another. I like to think of it as a train. One habit pulling the one behind it ahead. - How can individuals adapt their habits to major life changes or disruptions?
By being compassionate and taking a step back by making the habit easier to do when there is a disruption in your life. Do not try and be too hardcore and force yourself to stick to the routine as then you might create resentment. - In today’s AI age, how does technology impact habit formation, both positively and negatively?
I am sure there will be several AI tools that will help in habit tracking and formation. AI helps us each a wider audience so that we can help more people. - Lastly, could you share your top tips for someone looking to make positive changes in their life through habit formation?
Know what kind of life you want to live for yourself and just choose one habit that will help you get closer to that life!