Ugh, that feeling! You have a goal full of motivation.

It could be learning a foreign language, walking in the morning, reading a book or working on a creative project.

At that moment, external obstacles appear, and the activity that used to be a pleasure is now a duty. Haven’t we all experienced it once or many times?

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Aristotle

It’s been months now. I can think of playing the guitar every night. I also spent money on a magnificent musical instrument, its wood shining under the light.

But every time I hold it, I experience deep frustration. Where were all those songs in my mind if I couldn’t play the most natural chords? I feel depressed and I threw the guitar into its case.

Then I came across Dr. Andre Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford University, who studies the relationship between neuroplasticity and the habits of highly successful entrepreneurs.

We can physically rewire our brains towards success. Highly successful people don’t just have willpower, they understand what habits are and what they mean.

Habits dominate our daily routine, accounting for up to 70% of our actions.

Our brains store memories in two ways: episodically (a particular moment, e.g., specific events or presentations) and procedurally (e.g. riding a bicycle).

Procedural memory is one of the most essential parts of the formation process. Why don’t we think about it like we treat a recipe? The closer we stick to the steps, the more they become a habit.

Visualization! Imagine performing your favourite habit, like a morning smoothie or coffee.

These cognitive practices enhance the prosperity of the procedural memory circuits, and if you strengthen these circuits, you will do so.

Have you ever wondered why brushing your teeth, even on an awful day, feels so nice? It’s task bracketing that boosts power.

These specialized neural circuits in the basal ganglia facilitate habit initiation, maintenance, and stopping. Try to view them as “go” or “no go” signs which regulate your behaviour.

Repeating a specific behaviour several times each day helps strengthen the habit circuits.

For example, putting on your gym clothes is a trigger (go signal) for your workout.

Here are some practical tips to help you build strong contextual cues (reminders) for your desired habits:

Location: Want to meditate daily? Specify a quiet corner in your room.

Habit stacking: Pair a new habit with an existing one. Reading before bed? Supercharge on five minutes of journaling.

The power of positive anticipation: Don’t just awe that workout. Think about how energized you’ll feel afterward (reward).

Remember that the focus should be on finishing the workout and the entire process (habit).

Understanding the nature of habits is the first step. This is the key to change and long-term success.

The visualization and task bracketing method helps you apply neuroplasticity to develop the necessary habits to serve your goals.

SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals—will give you a clear roadmap for habit formation.

Find an accountability partner: Having a friend or family member cheer you on can provide a big motivational boost.

Don’t be afraid to experiment: Not every habit will stick immediately. Be patient, adjust your approach, and celebrate your progress!

Be mindful that victory is a path, not the end. These steps form the basis of habits that enable you to grow to complete your full potential.

I hope you will feel the pleasure I felt as I was writing. I will be waiting for new friendships.