Ask Stoics guided-practice preview · 5–7 min

Functional Analysis of a Habit

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

This page explains what the exercise is for, shows the exact Stoic source behind it, and previews the steps. Open the separate Practice App when you are ready to work through it interactively.

Use when: habit, craving, low motivation

Open the App

PurposeSee when this exercise is useful.

SourceCheck the exact primary-text locator.

ActivityFollow the guided steps in the app.

What you will do

How this guided 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?