Habit formation

Meaning and nature of HABITS

We find  a number of activities performed by the other persons that seem to be quite easy and mechanical though initially they were quite difficult and tiresome.  For example  : our eating,  walking etc.  is a habit.   

Some psychologist give habit definition here include 

1 GARRETT: Habit is the name given to behaviour so often repeated as to be  automatic. 

2 STURT AND OAKDEN: BY strict definition,  those acts are habitual which are performed with little or no thought and always in approximately the same way. 

     These definition point out that habits are the product of experiences and practice. 

       CHARACTERISTIC OF HABIT

1 Acquired disposition : Habit are acquired dispositions . They are not innate and inherited. 

   2 Uniformity : Habitual actions are uniform actions. They are performed every time in the same way.  

   3 promptness : Habitual actions are performed with promptness. The action is so quick and speedy that it resembles reflex action. 

4 Habits have a large field of operation : Habit do not confine themselves to contive acts alone. 

    5 Habits are useful as well as harmful : In general,  habit are divided into two groups  - good habits and bad habit. 

    FORMATION OF HABITS 

  1 TO start in the earlier age: The early years of  childhood are very important from the point of view habit formation.  

   2 Firm determination and initiative : Firm determination and powerful initiative  help much in the acquisition of desirable habits.  It is said where there is a will there is a way 

   3 Setting up definite specification for the new habit: It is of no use to declare that from tomorrow  I will be a good boy or I will work hard with my  studies. 

   4 Starting along the right track : In an attempt to form a new habit,  one should start  in the right direction from the very first time.  The initial mistake very costly. It is difficult to unlearn the wrong practices and improper habit. 

   5 Sufficient practice and repetition : For the habits formation it is essential that action should be repeated frequently in the same way under similar circumstances. There fore sufficient opportunities for practice and repetition should be provided to the students from the formation of desirable habits. 

   BEAKING BAD HABITS 

1. Firm determination and strong will power : first of a all one should realize the necessity of setting one self free from the pawn of a bad habit. Then one should have a firm determination to break it. 

2  Strong initiative with quick action :Bad habit are like powerful and dangerous enemy. Therefore ,the initial attack should be well planned.