Have you ever arrived somewhere and realised you don’t even remember the journey? Or, brushed your teeth, grabbed your keys, maybe even battled traffic, but your brain was on autopilot the whole time. That’s the power of habit, and furthermore, it’s not just your morning routine that runs in the background. Additionally, it could be the mid-morning biscuit break, the scroll through social media when you’re avoiding a tough task, or collapsing on the couch instead of moving your body like you promised you would.
If this sounds like you, perhaps it’s time to rewire your habits for success? Of course, if you’ve consciously chosen these routines and they light you up, great! However, if you find yourself repeating them unconsciously, even when you know they’re holding you back, it could be time to pause and decide if you are ready to stop tolerating them and make some changes.
What if you could create new powerful habits that ran automatically, without the inner battle?
Well, you can. Today, we’re diving into how you can rewire your brain and change your habits for success; habits that serve your future, not sabotage it.
The Science of Habit – Why You Keep Doing What You’re Doing
The brain loves shortcuts, as it’s a fantastic way to save energy. That’s why habits are so powerful. They’re wired into a part of your brain that doesn’t require your conscious permission to run the show. Which means both helpful and harmful routines can become deeply entrenched. It’s why we must rewire our habits to ensure we have helpful ones. There is a science to a habit, as unpacked by Charles Duhigg in his book, The Power of Habit. He says, at the core of every habit lies a simple loop:
Cue – Something triggers your brain to go into habit mode.
Routine – You perform the habitual action.
Reward – You receive a hit of relief, pleasure, or satisfaction.
Let’s say a stressful email hits your inbox (cue). You immediately reach for a sweet snack (routine). It gives you a few seconds of relief or comfort (reward). Do that enough times, and voilà, you’ve taught your brain that sugar is your go to stress solution.
As the saying goes, “neurons that fire together, wire together.” The more you repeat a pattern, the stronger and faster the brain signals become. Before long, because of our brain’s neuroplasticity, the ability to change, that habit is running the show, and you’re not even aware of it.
Rewire Your Brain and Rewire Your Habits with These Four Steps
Here’s the good news: if your brain can build unhelpful habits, it can also unbuild them, and replace them with ones that align with your goals. It’s all about awareness, intention, and consistent action, the key to rewire your habits.
1. Notice the Loop
Start by tuning in. Furthermore, when you catch yourself reacting on autopilot, stop and get curious:
What triggered this?
How am I feeling?
What am I craving?
And, what reward am I really seeking?
Write it down. Don’t judge it, just observe. This simple act of bringing your patterns to light gives you the power to shift them. This step works in other areas, such as rewiring habits of negative thought. Master this and you truly can change your world.
Tip: Keep a “habit awareness” journal for one week. You’ll be amazed what you uncover. Moreover, it will help you stay consistent, a key element for successful habit creation.
2. Start Small, Win Big and Rewire Your Habits
Massive overhaul? Doesn’t work. Small, consistent wins is required and is where transformation begins.
Instead of trying to “be healthier,” reframe it to something specific like:
“When I feel the urge to snack mid-morning, I’ll do 10 deep breaths first.”
Each small shift builds confidence and momentum. And every win proves to your brain that change is possible.
3. Swap the Routine, Keep the Reward
The real key? You don’t need to change everything, just the part in the middle.
Let’s say:
Cue: Feeling overwhelmed before a big project
Old Routine: Reaching for chocolate or scrolling socials
Reward: Temporary relief or escape
New version:
Cue: Feeling overwhelmed
New Routine: Step outside for 5 minutes of fresh air and deep breathing
Reward: A clearer mind, calmer body—and a win for your future self
Your brain still gets relief, but in a way that supports your goals rather than derails them.
4. Don’t Break the Chain And Rewire Your Habits
Progress loves visibility, so here is an additional powerful technique; track your consistency with a visual cue.
A client of mine makes a large tick on a chart on her fridge every day she completes her new routine. A strategy embraced from one attributed to Jerry Seinfeld. “Don’t break the chain,”
Pick your version; tally marks, marbles in a jar, stickers, or a wall of positive affirmations. Just make it visible, simple, and satisfying.
You Already Have What It Takes
Here’s the truth: You’re not broken. You don’t need fixing, you need to shift your mindset. First, you need awareness, then desire, and next, a plan that supports your desired future. Furthermore, you can harness the environment, create a clear plan, and schedule better. Additionally, working from the inside out is key. When you identify and clear out limiting beliefs, ensure your values align with the behaviours and know how to reward and celebrate, you boost your chances of success. All of these can be accessed in my simple, yet powerful, How to Break Any Habit in 30 Days Course. For just $48 you can have this with lifetime access.
You already have the ability to rewire your brain and redirect your habits. You just need to have a desire, build awareness, consciously practice and find a way to keep going.
So start today. Your future is shaped by the habits you build today. Choose them wisely.
About the Author
Mandy Napier is a Global High Performance Mindset Coach who dedicates her work to supporting business professionals and entrepreneurs. She helps them fulfil their potential and achieve extraordinary results professionally and personally. Transformations are the norm, and results are guaranteed.