The Psychology of Habits

A large proportion of our daily behaviour is driven by habit rather than conscious choice.

我們日常行為中有很大一部分，是由習慣而非有意識的選擇所驅動。

Habits form through a simple loop of cue, routine and reward.

習慣是透過線索、例行行為與獎賞這樣簡單的循環所形成。

Once established, they allow us to perform tasks with very little mental effort.

習慣一旦養成，我們做事就幾乎不需要耗費腦力。

This efficiency is useful, but it also explains why bad habits are so persistent.

這種效率很有用，但也解釋了為什麼壞習慣會如此頑固。

Simply relying on willpower is rarely enough to change them.

光靠意志力，很少足以改變習慣。

A more effective strategy is to alter the environment that triggers the behaviour.

更有效的策略是改變觸發該行為的環境。

Replacing an unwanted routine with a healthier one can also be surprisingly powerful.

用更健康的例行行為取代不想要的習慣，也可能出乎意料地有效。

Progress tends to be gradual, and occasional setbacks are entirely normal.

進步往往是循序漸進的，偶爾遇到挫折也完全正常。

Over time, small consistent changes can lead to remarkable results.

隨著時間推移，微小而持續的改變能帶來驚人的成果。