The Psychology of Habits

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

我们日常行为的很大一部分是由习惯而非有意识的选择驱动的。

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

习惯是通过提示、惯常行为和奖励这样一个简单的循环形成的。

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

习惯一旦养成，我们做事就几乎不费脑力。

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

这种高效很有用，但也解释了为什么坏习惯如此顽固。

Simply relying on willpower is rarely enough to change them.

仅仅依靠意志力，很少足以改变习惯。

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

更有效的策略是改变触发该行为的环境。

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

用更健康的行为取代不想要的习惯，同样能产生出人意料的强大效果。

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

进步往往是循序渐进的，偶尔出现反复也完全正常。

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

假以时日，微小而持续的改变能带来惊人的成果。