Habit Model (Part 1)

I had the opportunity to learn from a few mentors about habits; the habit loop, neuro-chemicals affecting cravings, the iceberg model, our 5 senses and mindfulness... after some serious thoughts and research, I combined and came up with my version of the Habit Model.

Our habits are somehow affected by the Iceberg Model;

Values & Beliefs --> Thinking & Feeling --> Attitude --> Action & Behaviour --> HABITS --> Results & Outcomes

(Any Action & Behaviour that is repeated will turn into a habit).

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle

The Iceberg Model is also influenced by our 5 Senses;

1. Sight (what we see)

2. Smell (olfactory)

3. Hearing

4. Taste (gustatory)

5. Touch

The 5 Senses & Iceberg Model will have impact on the Cue (in the habit loop) that leads to the Routine (the Action & Behaviour) and getting the Reward (in the form of satisfaction or feeling good).

What will cause us to have the habit repeated, no matter how hard some of us want to change it or break it is the CRAVINGS.

The brain chemicals (neuro-chemicals) that is working on the CRAVINGS are;

1. Endorphins (that helps to mask the pain and "feel good" factor leading to happiness)

2. Dopamine (that helps in giving us the boost when we achieve our goal or finish an episode of a drama or overcoming a challenge / level in playing games; too much of it = ADDICTION)

3. Serotonin (that helps us to feel significant and that sensation of feeling important; some call it the leadership chemical)

4. Oxytocin (that helps us to feel loved and safe; also released when doing charity work and helping others)

Somehow our brain is very powerful and if not cared for properly, whatever we do will turn into cravings that leads to habits that may not be beneficial to us.

I will write more on my next blog on how to reduce, increase, start, keep and stop the habits that we want change. (R.I.S.K.S Model and MINDFULNESS)

"Change Your HABITS, Change Your World!"

#habit #model #tool #brainchemical