The Difference Between Habits and Routines and Why it Matters
Both habits and routines are important keys to success. Moreover, most people use both terms as synonyms for each other. However, when it comes to pursuing goals habits and routines are not created equal.
If a habit is not something you do instinctively, then it’s not a habit. In other words, habits are addictive. You just can’t help yourself when you consistently repeat a behavior that’s a habit. On the other hand, routines require discipline, self-control, and willpower to repeat consistently. This means that routines are not instinctive and require that one pushes themself through some form of friction or pain.
Just like there are good habits and bad habits there are good routines and bad routines. But there is another important difference here as well. Once you realize you have a bad routine, you can just stop it. Because routines are done with intent, they are easy to change and end.
Unfortunately, this is not the case with bad habits. The only way to stop a bad habit is to replace it with a good habit. Given the nature of habits being addictive, this is one of the hardest things in life to do. But when it’s done is done by using the discipline, self-control, and willpower of a routine.
So, the takeaway here is a simple reality check. Habits are more powerful than routines, but routines are easier to start and stop than habits. While both have a big impact on success and failure, you control your routines, but your habits have control over you. Therefore, even though habits are more powerful, routines are more influential.