Winton Eliott
There is often confusion between the terms behavior and habit. While they are both related to the actions we take, there are some important distinctions between the two.
Here’s a look at the key differences between behavior and habit.
What’s the difference between behavior and habit?
Behavior
Behavior is any action that we take in response to a stimulus. It can be either conscious or unconscious, and it doesn’t have to be something that we do regularly.
A habit, on the other hand, is a behavior that we have become so accustomed to that we do it automatically, without even thinking about it.
Habit
A habit, on the other hand, is a behavior that we have become so accustomed to that we do it automatically, without even thinking about it.
Habits are usually formed over time, through repetition. For example, if you always brush your teeth after eating breakfast, brushing your teeth has become a habit.
Similarly, if you always check your phone as soon as you wake up in the morning, checking your phone has become a habit.
While behaviors can sometimes become habits, not all behaviors are habits. It’s also important to note that habits can be both good and bad.
Brushing your teeth is a good habit, but biting your nails is a bad habit. So, the next time you find yourself wondering whether something is a behavior or a habit, just remember: if it’s something you do without thinking about it, it’s probably a habit.
Are habits motivated Behaviours?
Yes, habits are motivated behaviors. However, the motivation for a habit is typically much weaker than the motivation for behavior.
For example, you may brush your teeth because you enjoy the taste of toothpaste or because you want to avoid cavities.
But once brushing your teeth becomes a habit, you may continue to do it even if you don’t enjoy the taste of toothpaste or if you don’t care about cavities.
The motivation for a habit is typically much weaker than the motivation for behavior.
How long does it take for a behavior to become a habit?
The answer to this question is not entirely straightforward, as it depends on a number of factors, including the frequency of the behavior and the individual’s level of motivation.
However, research has shown that it takes an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic.
This process can be broken down into four distinct stages: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, and action. The pre-contemplation stage is when an individual is not yet aware of their problem behavior.
In the contemplation stage, they become aware of the problem and start to consider making a change.
During the preparation stage, they develop a plan to change their behavior, and in the action stage, they finally take steps to implement this plan.
After remaining consistent with their new behavior for 66 days, it should become a habit. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find it takes longer or shorter than this to form a new habit.
Which one is more difficult to alter: habit or behavior?
The question of whether habit or behavior is more difficult to alter is a complex one with no simple answer. On the one hand, habits are often deeply ingrained and can be very hard to break.
On the other hand, behaviors are often determined by outside factors and can be much easier to change in the short term. Ultimately, the difficulty of altering either habit or behavior depends on a number of factors, including the individual’s motivation and ability to change.
However, it is generally accepted that breaking a habit is more difficult than changing behavior.
This is because habits are typically habitual for a reason – they provide some sort of benefit or satisfaction that the individual is seeking.
Changing a behavior, on the other hand, does not usually require breaking any existing patterns or routines. As such, it is typically much easier to alter behavior than it is to alter a habit.
The takeaway
Once you’ve identified a behavior you want to change, it’s important to understand the difference between a behavior and a habit.
A behavior is a single action, whereas a habit is a behavior that’s been repeated so often it’s become automatic.
For example, you might have the behavior of checking your phone every time you get a notification. But if you’ve been doing this for months or years, it’s become a habit.
To change a behavior, you need to be aware of when you’re doing it and make a conscious effort to do something different. This can be difficult, but it’s possible with practice.
Habits are more difficult to break because they’re ingrained in our daily routine. However, it is possible to change them with persistence and patience.
The most important thing is to identify the behavior or habit you want to change and make a plan to do so. With commitment and effort, you can make lasting changes in your life.
