After understanding the mechanism of habit, it is time to analyze current habits. But analyzing habits without knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses is incomplete. A human being lives at the intersection of “what is” and “what can be.” This gap is a potential space for growth. The first step toward change is knowing oneself accurately.

Self-Knowledge; The First Step to Changing Habits

Human strengths are deep-rooted traits that make us feel energetic. Focusing on strengths can elevate us to higher levels [5]. Identifying strengths requires monitoring moments when we feel enthusiasm and flow. The key question is: In what activities do I feel like a creator, not just a consumer?

Alongside strengths, weaknesses are also part of our personality. A mature approach is to manage and complete weaknesses, not destroy them [6]. Knowing weaknesses allows us to recognize our vulnerable points. However, analyzing weaknesses should not lead to self-blame. Taking responsibility is the way forward.

It is estimated that 40-50% of our daily behaviors are the result of habits [7]. To change a habit, we must work on cues and rewards. For example, the habit of constantly checking one’s phone might have a cue of loneliness and a reward of instant dopamine. In a spiritual view, a habit is a bridge between conscious will and unconscious action. When a positive habit forms, it produces energy. From a positive psychology perspective, positive habits increase resilience. A person with a habit of positive thinking sees a crisis as an opportunity for growth [8]. Negative habits are often linked to unmet needs. When analyzing negative habits, we should avoid labeling ourselves. Saying “I am lazy” creates an identity, but saying “I sometimes behave lazily” describes a changeable behavioral problem.

References
[5] Seligman, Martin. Positive Psychology. Trans. A. Seif. Tehran: Doran, 2016, p.156.
[6] Pourafkari, Naser. Self-Knowledge in Islam. Qom: Dar al-Hadith, 2018, p.67.
[7] Duhigg, Charles. The Power of Habit. Trans. M. Minaei. Tehran: Aryana Pub., 2015, p.78.
[8] Rezaei, A. et al. Resilience and Mental Health. Tehran: Univ. of Tehran, 2020, p.112.
[9] Clear, James. Atomic Habits. Trans. S. Safaeian. Tehran: Novin Pub., 2019, p.89.