Why Some People Build Better Habits (and How You Can Too)

Why do some people stick to good habits while others fall off track? This video breaks down the brain-based differences between successful and struggling habit-builders—and how you can apply those insights to create lasting behavior change. Learn how identity, planning, and environment shape your habits and make consistency easier. SHOP THE MENTAL WELLNESS STORE https://mentalwellnessspace.store/ GET YOUR FREE SELF-COMPASSION GUIDE to help replace critical self-talk. http://SelfTalkHelp.com GET MY ANXIETY BOOK https://amzn.to/3vWdJAX MY AMAZING VIDEO EDITOR https://www.5filmsmedia.com/contact (this is not an affiliate link but a resource. I've had a long relationship with Ruslan and his company, so use my name and he will hook you up! 😊 You can tell him I said that) WANT TO START IN THERAPY? Here’s a convenient and affordable option with my sponsor BetterHelp https://Betterhelp.com/drmarks For a monthly fee, you get a REAL licensed therapist with whom you can meet weekly by phone, video or chat. You can also send daily messages. For a full review of the service, watch this video https://youtu.be/kDs9HxGnyxw If you use this link you will get a 10% discount on your first month. https://betterhelp.com/drmarks This is an option I've researched. I get a referral commission if you sign up. 🧠 Supporting Research 1. Identity-Based Habits and Brain Activation Studies show that linking behaviors to self-identity increases motivation and activates regions of the brain involved in goal pursuit and self-regulation: Oyserman, D., Fryberg, S. A., & Yoder, N. (2007). Identity-based motivation and health. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 93(6), 1011–1027. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.93.6.1011 2. Habit Formation and Recovery After Missed Days Even when people miss a day or two, habits still form—what matters most is consistency over time: Lally, P., van Jaarsveld, C. H. M., Potts, H. W. W., & Wardle, J. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40(6), 998–1009. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.674 3. Implementation Intentions and Behavior Change Recent research continues to show that creating clear “if-then” plans significantly increases the likelihood of follow-through on habits. This study highlights how detailed planning supports automaticity and long-term behavior change. Carraro, N., Gaudreau, P., & Mageau, G. A. (2020). The role of implementation intentions in promoting the development of exercise habits: A longitudinal study. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 43(1), 139–150. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-019-00049-w 4. Self-Concept and Habit Consistency A 2021 study found that integrating habits into one’s identity strengthens habit consistency and long-term maintenance—especially for health-related behaviors. Chen, P., & Lanza, S. T. (2021). Developing healthy habits through identity-based motivation: Evidence from a longitudinal study. Health Psychology, 40(4), 234–244. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0001063 Want to know more about mental health and self-improvement? On this channel I discuss topics such as bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), relationships and personal development/self-improvement. I upload weekly. If you don’t want to miss a video, click here to subscribe. https://goo.gl/DFfT33 Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.