Habits are often beneficial to goal pursuit. They reduce the need for self-control by automating behavior, thereby streamlining decision-making and decreasing temptations and motivational interference. Given that habits outsource behavioral control to the environment, stable performance contexts are critical for habit formation and performance. However, when goals change, unwanted habit memories still persist. Then, the automaticity of habit impedes goal pursuit. Although unwanted habits cannot easily be changed by exerting self-control, altering the performance context and reward structure are more effective. In sum, the article challenges traditional views on deliberate self-control and offers a new perspective on achieving long-term goals through habit formation.

中文翻译：

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超越刻意的自我控制：习惯自动实现长期目标


习惯往往有利于目标的追求。它们通过自动化行为来减少自我控制的需要，从而简化决策并减少诱惑和动机干扰。鉴于习惯将行为控制外包给环境，稳定的表现环境对于习惯的形成和表现至关重要。然而，当目标改变时，不想要的习惯记忆仍然存在。然后，习惯的自动性会阻碍目标的追求。尽管通过自我控制无法轻易改变不良习惯，但改变绩效环境和奖励结构更为有效。总之，本文挑战了关于刻意自我控制的传统观点，并提供了通过习惯形成实现长期目标的新视角。