Gardner - minimal

Question 1

What is the “false dichotomy” between habitual and intentional behavior?

Gardner

Answer 1

It’s the mistaken belief that a behavior is either entirely habitual or entirely intentional (goal-directed). In reality, behaviors often contain both automatic and deliberate components

slay

Question 2

What’s an example of a behavior that is both habitual and intentional?

used in Gardner’s little dissertation

Answer 2

Taking a shower: someone may intentionally decide to shower (intentional instigation), but the showering routine itself may be performed automatically (habitual execution)- or vice versa

note the distinction between instigation and execution

Question 3

What is the difference between ‘instigation’ and ‘execution’ habits?

Answer 3

• Instigation habits are about starting a behavior in response to a cue (e.g., putting on running shoes after waking up)
• Execution habits involve how the behavior is carried out (e.g., the way you run your usual route)

if that wasnt obvious

Question 4

Why are instigation habits especially important for interventions?

Answer 4

Because forming habits that prompt starting a behavior increases the likelihood of repetition, regardless of motivation or how complex the behavior is

Question 5

What five strategies can help build strong habits?

Answer 5

• Cue consistency (stable environment)
• Habit stacking (linking new behaviors to existing habits)
• Environmental restructuring (making cues obvious)
• Repetition in context
• Focusing on instigation, especially for complex actions