"If we acquire a bad habit this way it is very hard to change, because its grooves are so well worn in our minds."
— Wilson, Timothy D.
Author
Date
March 9, 2012
Metaphor
"If we acquire a bad habit this way it is very hard to change, because its grooves are so well worn in our minds."
Metaphor in Context
One way behavior can become habitual, as noted, is through repetition. If we acquire a bad habit this way it is very hard to change, because its grooves are so well worn in our minds. We have to painstakingly practice a better response that wears a new groove. Duhigg gives the example of the success of the former N.F.L. coach Tony Dungy, who, with lots and lots of practice, taught his players a small number of important moves they could perform without thinking, even at the most crucial point in a game. Bad habits are overcome by learning new routines and practicing them over and over again.
Categories
Provenance
Reading
Citation
Timothy D. Wilson, "Can't Help Myself" New York Times (March 9 2012), Sunday Book Review, p. 15. <Link to NYTimes.com>
Date of Entry
03/12/2012
