47 Pics Showing The Most Genius Life Hacks That People Actually Use

Of course, seeing a tip online is one thing and incorporating it into your life is another.

Jessica Koehler, Ph.D., an associate faculty member in the University of Arizona Global Campus Psychology Department, says habit formation is rooted in neuroscience, with the basal ganglia playing a pivotal role.

It sounds technical, but according to her, "This brain region, responsible for learning and motor control, is integral to developing automatic behaviors. As habits are repeated over time, the basal ganglia become increasingly active, strengthening neural pathways and making these actions feel automatic."

This efficiency allows the brain to conserve cognitive effort, but it also makes ingrained habits challenging to break.

But if you really try and stick to it, chances are you’ll build a new routine into your life, whether it’s one of these hacks, a new hobby, or something else.

"The brain’s adaptability, known as neuroplasticity, makes change possible," says Koehler. "Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning and behavioral changes."

This means that while habits may feel hardwired, they can be reshaped with enough effort and repetition. "Research shows that it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit. The time frame can vary depending on the complexity of the behavior," Koehler adds. "Just as repeated action solidifies bad habits, the same principle applies to forming positive ones."

The key to forming good habits is starting small and gradually building your way up.

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, advocates making tiny changes that are easy to maintain.

For instance, if you want to develop a habit of reading more, start by reading just one page a day—but try your best to stick to it. After you’re comfortable with that, add one more.

These small increments compound over time and can lead to remarkable results.

"To increase the likelihood of sticking with a new behavior, try engaging in it at the same time every day," Koehler suggests. "This creates a sense of routine and makes the habit easier to integrate into daily life."

Also, reward yourself for following through on positive habits! "These rewards don’t have to be extravagant," the psychologist explains. "They can be as simple as acknowledging your progress or giving yourself a short break after completing a task. Celebrating small wins motivates you to continue the behavior."

The important part to understand is that (fleeting) bursts of motivation aren’t very sustainable for us.

Focusing on systems (the habits and routines that drive progress) is often much more effective than focusing solely on goals. While goals provide direction, habits are what keep you moving forward daily.

In other words, it’s about the process, not the results.