As humans, habits are an important part of the function of our bodies and minds. Two authors who share this perspective are Aman Sharma in “Habit Formation” and Nebojsa Randelovic in “Determination of the Essence of Concepts”. As shown by these two authors’ discussions of habits, it is clear that motor habits(habits of motion) are the fundamental form of habits in our lives, and allow humans to better accomplish our goals by giving us the ability to turn knowledge into skill.
The first main point shared by both Sharma and Randelovic is that the only true habits are motor habits. Both authors agree that due to the strict physiological definition of habits which require neural pathways in order to exist, only motor habits actually exist. Both texts agree that the word ‘habit’ is often used more broadly to talk of people’s tendencies in thinking and acting, but habits of motion are clearly the most basic and fundamental tendencies that exist in the human body.
A second concept explored by both texts is the debate over the psychological and physiological formation of habits and at the same time the idea of habits vs knowledge. Sharma does a good job of outlining the main difference between the two sides when saying, “The physiological basis is related to our nervous system...[whereas] The psychological theories explain that habits are acquired dispositions” (Sharma). Randelovic fills in the gap Sharma leaves about the difference between knowledge and habits. He explains that knowledge is the ability to know how to do somethings, whereas motor skills require years of practice and exercising. This shows that habits are built off of knowledge. With knowledge, people begin to practice some skill, and after much time and practice, this knowledge is transformed into a habit.
Lastly, both authors share the theme that habits are designed to be a helpful part of one’s life. As Randelovic is able to say very clearly, evolution has given us the ability to form habits, which allow us to perform complex actions with more speed, precision, and accuracy (Randelovic 305). In a less technical sense, Sharma illustrates habits as a way to reach one’s goals. Despite the differences in approach, it is clear that habits are a great positive force and that they should be nurtured in our lives. Habits are skills that we should appreciate and enjoy.
Overall, it is apparent that our ability to form habits is quite complex, extraordinary, and useful. Habits of motion, the most fundamental type of habit, allow humans to use their knowledge to become skillful at many different types of movement and activities, all in a way designed to better our lives.
- Damon George
Randelovic, Nebojsa, et al. "Determination Of The Essence Of Concepts: Motor Learning, Motor Skill, Motor Habit, Motor Stereotype." Gymnasium: Scientific Journal Of Education, Sports & Health 13.1 (2012): 305-315. SPORTDiscus with Full Text. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
Sharma, Aman. "Habit Formation: Basis, Types and Measures for Effective Habit Formation." Psychology Discussion. Psychology Discussion, 31 Jan. 2014. Web. 20 Oct. 2015.
The first main point shared by both Sharma and Randelovic is that the only true habits are motor habits. Both authors agree that due to the strict physiological definition of habits which require neural pathways in order to exist, only motor habits actually exist. Both texts agree that the word ‘habit’ is often used more broadly to talk of people’s tendencies in thinking and acting, but habits of motion are clearly the most basic and fundamental tendencies that exist in the human body.
A second concept explored by both texts is the debate over the psychological and physiological formation of habits and at the same time the idea of habits vs knowledge. Sharma does a good job of outlining the main difference between the two sides when saying, “The physiological basis is related to our nervous system...[whereas] The psychological theories explain that habits are acquired dispositions” (Sharma). Randelovic fills in the gap Sharma leaves about the difference between knowledge and habits. He explains that knowledge is the ability to know how to do somethings, whereas motor skills require years of practice and exercising. This shows that habits are built off of knowledge. With knowledge, people begin to practice some skill, and after much time and practice, this knowledge is transformed into a habit.
Lastly, both authors share the theme that habits are designed to be a helpful part of one’s life. As Randelovic is able to say very clearly, evolution has given us the ability to form habits, which allow us to perform complex actions with more speed, precision, and accuracy (Randelovic 305). In a less technical sense, Sharma illustrates habits as a way to reach one’s goals. Despite the differences in approach, it is clear that habits are a great positive force and that they should be nurtured in our lives. Habits are skills that we should appreciate and enjoy.
Overall, it is apparent that our ability to form habits is quite complex, extraordinary, and useful. Habits of motion, the most fundamental type of habit, allow humans to use their knowledge to become skillful at many different types of movement and activities, all in a way designed to better our lives.
- Damon George
Randelovic, Nebojsa, et al. "Determination Of The Essence Of Concepts: Motor Learning, Motor Skill, Motor Habit, Motor Stereotype." Gymnasium: Scientific Journal Of Education, Sports & Health 13.1 (2012): 305-315. SPORTDiscus with Full Text. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
Sharma, Aman. "Habit Formation: Basis, Types and Measures for Effective Habit Formation." Psychology Discussion. Psychology Discussion, 31 Jan. 2014. Web. 20 Oct. 2015.