A Behavioral Scientist's Guide To Building Habits That Stick With Jason Hreha

·25 min·2 clips

A former Walmart behavioral scientist reveals why most people misunderstand what a habit really is.

Mark Roberta hosts Jason Hreha, a behavioral scientist and former global head of behavioral science at Walmart, on Breakthrough Success. Hreha begins by defining habits as small, unconscious behaviors in response to cues, distinguishing them from larger, effortful practices. He explains that bad habits can be interrupted by adding consciousness barriers, such as putting snacks out of reach. Hreha challenges the common self-help emphasis on habits, noting they are overrated because they must remain small to be automatic. He discusses why people give up on practices like learning Spanish, citing lack of payoff or convenience. Hreha argues against relying on habit hacks, instead advocating for selecting behaviors that align with one's personality and life context. He advises setting realistic, incremental goals to avoid demotivation from overly ambitious targets. The conversation touches on procrastination, with Hreha noting that only 3-4 hours of deep work are feasible daily. He suggests understanding the underlying reasons for bad behaviors, like doomscrolling, to replace them with healthier alternatives. Hreha shares resources, including his website and company, Persona, which applies behavioral science to talent recruitment. The episode concludes with practical takeaways for entrepreneurs and individuals seeking to improve their habits and practices.

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A practical conversation about making worthwhile behaviors convenient and meaningful enough to last.

Habits shape where people end up, and this conversation gives that familiar idea a practical, business-minded frame. Jason Reha, a behavioral scientist and entrepreneur, argues that consistency depends less on willpower than on fit: how naturally a behavior belongs in its…

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You will hear why challenging habits are easier to stick with when the setting is convenient and the payoff is meaningful.

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