HABITS

 

     If you have a yen or an urge for something sweet, you might go to the refrigerator and takeout a nice chocolate ice cream sandwich and then go back to the TV and finish watching the show. But, that yen was probably a one-shot deal. You probably won’t do that often.  Maybe, it happens occasionally, maybe, once or twice over a year. That behavior is not usually considered habitual. So, what is a habit?

    Its origin is from the English, French and Latin “habitus” condition, character, from habereh i.e. to have, or hold. Its first known use was in the 13^th century.  It has been referred to as characteristic of rank, as a nun’s or monk’s apparel, or even as the costume worn for horseback riding. However, it usually is referred to as an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary. The vivid evidence of a habit is its frequently noted repetitive behavior which sometimes is innocent and perhaps beneficial. There are conditions where they may become irrational, extreme or neurotic and as such, become detrimental to one’s well-being.

    The formation of a habit can be analyzed in three parts which are a cue, the actual behavior and the reward.  For example, the cue could be seeing the toothbrush. The brushing is the actual behavior and the reward is the good feeling of cleanliness. It is a simple illustration that, in itself, is innocent and beneficial. If this behavior becomes compulsive and is carried out an excessive number of times each day, then it can be considered possibly a nervous condition. How to control such a condition requires one to try and determine what motivates such behavior.  Simply stopping the frequency of such behavior will not resolve the situation.  It takes a conscious effort to examine the underlying motivation for such behavior.  That isn’t always easy because it takes a willingness to understand and deal with what may be some underlying anxiety a person may have that is not directly related to the need for keeping one’s teeth clean. What the answer may be is not always that easy to identify.

    There are many habits one develops from a young age and some can be minimized or eliminated over time when there is a conscious effort to address their cause. It is a perennial challenge but one can reach a solution.  What becomes really critical is being able to understand and distinguish between a habit and addiction. Yes, will power can be a strong means for addressing those behaviors but if they become addictive then it is usually beyond the use of will power.  In such situations the need for psychotherapy and or medication is necessary. There are really two major challenges to address in such a situation.  One is the willingness for one to seek help and the other is to monitor the process of help.  No matter how old or young we are each one of us is endowed with the attribute of choice.  So, it’s not really fair to blame our culture, the times, or society for preventing or resolving our bad habits or addictions. Each of us can be our own worst problem or find  success.