I’ve also reflected on “microhabits” – I agree that the epistemics are tricky, of maintaining a habit even when you can’t observe causal evidence for it being beneficial. I’ll implement a habit if I’ve read some of the evidence and think it’s worth the cost, even if I don’t observe any effect in myself. Unfortunately, that’s the same mistake homeopathics make.
I’m motivated to follow microhabitats mostly out of faith that they have some latent effects, but also out of a subconscious desire to uphold my identity, like what James Clear talks about in Atomic Habits.
Like when I take a vitamin D supplement in the morning, I’m not subconsciously thinking “oh man, the subtle effects this might have on my circadian rhythm and mood are totally worth the minimal cost!”. Instead, it’s more like “I’m taking this supplement because that’s what a thoughtful person who cares about their cognitive health does. This isn’t a chore; it’s a part of what it means to live Roman’s life”.
Here’s a list of some of my other microhabits (that weren’t mentioned in your post) in case anyone’s looking for inspiration. Or maybe I’m just trying to affirm my identity? ;P
Putting a grayscale filter on my phone
Paying attention to posture – e.g., not slouching as I walk
Many things to help me sleep better
Taking 0.3 mg of melatonin
Avoiding exercise, food, and caffeine too close to bedtime
Putting aggressive blue light filters on my laptop and phone in the evening and turning the lights down
Taking a warm shower before bed
Sleeping on my back
Turning the temperature down before bed
Wearing headphones to muffle noise and a blindfold
Backing up data and using some internet privacy and security tools
Anything related to being more attractive or likable
Whitening teeth
Following a skincare routine
Smiling more
Active listening
Avoiding giving criticism
Flossing, using toothpaste with Novamin, and tounge scraping
Shampooing twice a week instead of daily
I haven’t noticed any significant difference from any of these habits individually. But, like you suggested, I’ve found success with throwing many things at the wall: it used to take me a long time to fall asleep, and now it doesn’t. Unfortunately, I don’t know what microhabits did the trick (stuck to the wall).
It seems like there are three types of habits that require some faith:
Those that take a while to show effects, like weightlifting and eating a lot to gain muscle.
Those that only pay off for rare events, like backing up your data or looking both ways before crossing the street.
Those with subtle and/or uncertain effects, like supplementing vitamin D for your cognitive health or whitening your teeth to make a better first impression on people. This is what you’re calling microhabits.
I’ve also reflected on “microhabits” – I agree that the epistemics are tricky, of maintaining a habit even when you can’t observe causal evidence for it being beneficial. I’ll implement a habit if I’ve read some of the evidence and think it’s worth the cost, even if I don’t observe any effect in myself. Unfortunately, that’s the same mistake homeopathics make.
I’m motivated to follow microhabitats mostly out of faith that they have some latent effects, but also out of a subconscious desire to uphold my identity, like what James Clear talks about in Atomic Habits.
Like when I take a vitamin D supplement in the morning, I’m not subconsciously thinking “oh man, the subtle effects this might have on my circadian rhythm and mood are totally worth the minimal cost!”. Instead, it’s more like “I’m taking this supplement because that’s what a thoughtful person who cares about their cognitive health does. This isn’t a chore; it’s a part of what it means to live Roman’s life”.
Here’s a list of some of my other microhabits (that weren’t mentioned in your post) in case anyone’s looking for inspiration. Or maybe I’m just trying to affirm my identity? ;P
Putting a grayscale filter on my phone
Paying attention to posture – e.g., not slouching as I walk
Many things to help me sleep better
Taking 0.3 mg of melatonin
Avoiding exercise, food, and caffeine too close to bedtime
Putting aggressive blue light filters on my laptop and phone in the evening and turning the lights down
Taking a warm shower before bed
Sleeping on my back
Turning the temperature down before bed
Wearing headphones to muffle noise and a blindfold
Backing up data and using some internet privacy and security tools
Anything related to being more attractive or likable
Whitening teeth
Following a skincare routine
Smiling more
Active listening
Avoiding giving criticism
Flossing, using toothpaste with Novamin, and tounge scraping
Shampooing twice a week instead of daily
I haven’t noticed any significant difference from any of these habits individually. But, like you suggested, I’ve found success with throwing many things at the wall: it used to take me a long time to fall asleep, and now it doesn’t. Unfortunately, I don’t know what microhabits did the trick (stuck to the wall).
It seems like there are three types of habits that require some faith:
Those that take a while to show effects, like weightlifting and eating a lot to gain muscle.
Those that only pay off for rare events, like backing up your data or looking both ways before crossing the street.
Those with subtle and/or uncertain effects, like supplementing vitamin D for your cognitive health or whitening your teeth to make a better first impression on people. This is what you’re calling microhabits.