The same rule applies to psychological discomfort. When we feel lonely, bored, or uncertain, we act to relieve our emotional disquietude. We might see a friend to relieve loneliness, or watch a show on television when we're bored. We may look up something online to satisfy our uncertainty - all because we seek to escape these uncomfortable sensations.

Before a behavior can become a habit, it needs to become a regularly performed routine. But given how effortful routines can be, it's far too easy to skip a difficult task. Thankfully, making a pre-commitment is a fantastic way to ensure you do what you say you will do. For instance, if writing or exercising daily is a routine you want to adopt, finding someone to hold you accountable will increase your odds of success. Sites like FocusMate, make finding someone to work alongside easy (note: I liked FocusMate so much I decided to invest in the company). You can also pre-commit to a routine by using software like Forest on your phone and Freedom on your computer to prevent distraction and keep you on task.

Trying to build good habits can often backfire. Here's why it's important to know how habits are formed and when it's better to stick with a routine instead. Habits are hot. Self-help articles extol the power of habits and books on the topic sell by the millions.

Understand yourself and those around you.

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The key to productivity is distinguishing 'habits' from 'routine'

You see, <a href="https://dailystoic.com/what-is-stoicism-a-definition-3-stoic-exercises-to-get-you-started/">Stoicism </a>-and philosophy-are not the domains of idle professors. They are the succor of the successful, and the men and women of action. As Thoreau put it: "To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school...it is to solve some of the problems of life not only theoretically, but practically."

Indeed, Teddy seems to represent the temperance and self control of the philosophy beautifully when he said, "What such a man needs is not courage but nerve control, cool headedness. This he can get only by practice". Likewise he expressed the necessity of action advocated by the Stoics when he famously remarked,

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When most people think of "philosophy," their eyes glaze over. It's the last thing they want, let alone something they need. But this, as you already know, is silly and naive. Philosophy is not just about talking or lecturing, or even reading long, dense books.

The key to productivity is distinguishing 'habits' from 'routine'

Stoicism: Practical Philosophy You Can Actually Use

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