The Brain Science of Habit Mastery with Dr. Shannon Irvine

We’ve been talking a lot about habits here recently. 

You might be wondering:

“How do I create a good habit that actually sticks?”

Committing to creating a successful habit is easier said than done.

Motivation is flimsy at times and willpower doesn’t necessarily hold out when we need it to.

But habits don’t come from motivation or willpower.

They come from commitment and repetition.

They come from pushing through weak or even non-existent motivation.

They come from reminding yourself of your “why” and using that to take the next step.

This week on the Epic Success Podcast, I dive deep into harnessing the power of your brain to create lasting habits. I’m taking the mystery out of habit change! We will look at how our brains are wired and how that knowledge can help you finally kick old habits to the curb and adopt those healthy and productive habits you desperately need in order to create the life and business you really want.

If you’re ready to take control of your habits and daily routine, grab something to write with and listen in!

The biggest take-aways from today’s episode are:

• “YES - You can create the habits that you want in your life.” 

It’s a matter of knowing what your repeated mental states are and what that does in the brain. Anything that we repeat over time becomes a neural trait, and the more we repeat it, it becomes more ingrained in our brain, and the more it becomes automatic. [3:34]

• “The first time you go to do something new, especially if it’s replacing something that already has a pattern set up, your dopamine response comes after the event.”

When you get your willpower all charged up to attempt the new habit, your dopamine response doesn’t come until after the event. Waiting for the dopamine each time you attempt the new habit can make it harder to complete, but let me tell you: each time you complete that habit, your dopamine will release earlier and earlier, making it easier to complete when your willpower is weak. [11:55]

 

• “If you're serious about getting this habit change done, do it first thing in the morning!”

 

If you wait until the end of the day to try and work in that new habit, you’ll come up with every excuse in the book because your willpower (just like a muscle) is tired from being exercised all day. It’s depleted. This is why relying on willpower alone won’t get you the habit change you’re after. You have to commit to consistency. [18:44]

Remember: you control your thoughts! And your thoughts control your habits. 

Creating habits and routines that work for you, and being C O N S I S T E N T with them is where you will see success.

When your motivation is withering, you’ll be able to lean on the firm foundation of the habits and routines you’ve put into place.

Take this science and have it work for you today and write down the 5 habits you’d like to change or add and prioritize them. 

Use the science you’ve learned and start with 1 habit. 

You’ve got this. 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready... here are 3 ways I can help you grow your business:

1. Download my FREE Epic Morning Routine 

In the morning, your brain is at its most receptive. It wakes in a neutral state. Your state of mind impacts your entire day. And my FREE Epic Morning Routine will help you elevate your state of mind to increase your productivity, achievement, and happiness! Click here to download the routine that changed my life can be completed in only 30 minutes (though, admittedly I love it so much I take longer to do it), but has lasting effects throughout the entire day.

2. Listen to the Epic Success Podcast here

For your weekly dose of straight to the point online business strategy, hit subscribe and listen now.

3. Join my Epic Tribe on Instagram

This is where I freely share some of my best brain-based tips for thinking like a successful entrepreneur, growing your business, and creating unstoppable momentum toward the EPIC vision you have for your life. Check out my stories every day for your daily dose of Brain Fuel!

Today I want to give a shoutout to one of my Epic Success Podcast listeners who left a 5-star review titled “Success ideas in every area”:

“This podcast hits home because she talks about real stuff. The guests aren’t all just experts but they seem like they are friends. She is a wonderful interviewer and the actionable advice helps me think about my business. She has such a great variety of guests on her show! Thanks Dr. Shannon!”

 

I absolutely love sharing the brain-based process of creating success in your life & business with you each week on the Epic Success podcast! Reviews are how I know you’re finding value and help me share Epic Success with more people!

If you have something you want to say about the Epic Success podcast, I’d love it if you’d post a 5-star review on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.