©Arlene Taylor PhD

The human brain is designed to develop internal brain software programs known as habits. This is a natural brain phenomenon and involves teaching a set of neurons to transfer information in a predictable manner.

The motivation behind the development of habits and the regularity of their implementation, however, can differ dramatically based on one’s innate preferences (as well as other factors, including past experience).

x Left Frontal Lobe

• Tend to approach the development of habits from the perspective of functional analysis (e.g., repetitive systems/methods designed to assist in goal setting and achievement, or in winning)

• Likely to implement habits consistently if they appear to contribute to success, whether or not the habit is particularly pleasing (e.g., exercise to keep weight down for health/longevity, to make a good career-related impression).

• May try to coerce others into developing similar habits “to help you to be more successful,” or “to help ensure that you will reach your goal.”

Note: This may come across to others as a form of control and actually may represent attempts to impose the controller’s will for what he/she believes is for the other’s “own best benefit.”

 

x Right Frontal Lobe

• Tend to view the development of habits as helpful, but may struggle with the repetitiveness of the routines (e.g., exercise, brushing teeth, taking food supplements)

• Likely to be somewhat inconsistent in the implementation of habits and may struggle with an up and down course (e.g., exercise routines may wax and wane unless it becomes clear that one’s health absolutely depends upon consistency and, even then, it may be a struggle!)

• May be initially enthusiastic about a habit and charismatically encourage others to jump on the bandwagon, only to abandon the habit and move on to something else in a few months when repetition becomes monotonous.

• May try to make the existing environment fit into their habit patterns.

x Left Posterior Lobes

• Tend to perpetuate habits that were developed in childhood, often basing them on learned rules and expectations (e.g., brushing teeth, going to bed at a specific time, exercise schedule)

• Likely to be somewhat rigid and stubborn about maintaining their habit patterns.

• May try to fit habits into their existing environment.

x Right Posterior Lobes

• Tend to adopt existing habits of others who are in their immediate environment (because it promotes harmony)

• May be fairly consistent about implementation of habits when within their immediate environment and somewhat inconsistent about implementation if outside their immediate environment or if others change their habits.

• May try to persuade a loved one into developing a specific habit “because I care about you,” or “for your own good,” or “to keep me company.”