Wendy Wood's insights on good and bad habits revolve around the understanding that habits are automatic behaviors triggered by specific contexts. She emphasizes the significance of environment in shaping our habits, suggesting that small changes in our surroundings can lead to better habit formation. Wood argues that good habits can be cultivated by creating cues in our environment that prompt positive behaviors, while bad habits can be reduced by altering those cues. Her research highlights the importance of consistency and repetition in habit formation, showing that the more a behavior is repeated in a particular context, the stronger the habit becomes. Ultimately, Wood advocates for a strategic approach to habit change that takes into account both individual motivation and the power of situational factors.

The course topics include:

• The Invisibility of Habit
• Context Is King
• The Truth About Repetition
• How Rewards Work
• The Perils of Variety
• Skip a Step With Habit Stacking
• The Surprising Power of Situational Control
• What French Cooking Can Teach You About Habits
• Self-Control Isn’t What It Looks Like
• Happiness and the Mindfulness Habit