Achieving Goals and Building Habits
The processes of setting goals and forming better habits share several neural similarities, involving common neural circuits and brain regions used in behavior change. Both goal setting and habit formation involve the neuromodulator dopamine, which plays a critical role in assessing and assigning value to our actions. This helps us determine which actions to take to achieve specific goals or maintain habits.
The basal ganglia and prefrontal cortex are also both involved in goal pursuit and habit formation: these areas of the brain are essential for planning, executing and evaluating actions and outcomes. The basal ganglia are particularly crucial as they mediate the “go” or “no-go” actions necessary for both building habits and achieving goals.
True habit formation means that the action is context-independent and no longer requires specific triggers or environmental cues to trigger it. A strong habit occurs when the associated behaviors and mental states have become firmly embedded in the neural circuitry over a period of time, and it doesn’t require a lot of mental effort to start the habit each day.
There can be immense satisfaction in achieving personal goals and making healthy habits (or breaking bad habits) in the pursuit of personal growth and continuous improvement. Using evidence-based tools and strategies can increase the likelihood of success towards whichever positive changes you are pursuing.
