Stoic practice · 5–7 min

Functional Analysis of a Habit

Compare the immediate pull of a habit with the roads it opens.

Use when: habit, craving, low motivation

How the practice works

1. Name the situation Which habit or craving are you examining?
2. Examine each lens Consider all four horizons.
3. Run the exercise Picture the road of continuing for several months. Notice the actions, not a verdict about yourself. Now picture the road of practising restraint in small steps. Notice what you repeatedly do.
4. Choose the next action What is one small step onto the road you choose?

“If you are struck by the appearance of any promised pleasure, guard yourself against being hurried away by it.”

— Epictetus, Enchiridion 34