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transport (so automatically enacting the first behaviour
in a superordinate ‘bicycle commuting’ sequence, such as
putting on a cycle helmet), but negotiating the journey
may require higher-level cognitive input.
In other words, getting started with a simple ritual like putting on a helmet or
checking the air in the bike tires makes it easier to follow through on the bigger
behavior (making the commute). If you focus on the ritual, the next step follows
more automatically.
Twyla Tharp’s morning routine is a perfect example of this idea in practice.
Naturally, there are going to be days when she doesn’t feel like getting out of
bed and exercising. There are bound to be times when the thought of starting
the day with a two-hour workout seems exhausting.
But her ritual of waking up and calling the taxi takes the emotion, motivation,
and decision-making out of the process. Her brain doesn’t need to waste any
energy deciding what to do next. She doesn’t have a debate with herself about
what the first step should be. She simply follows the same pattern that she
always does. And once the pattern is in motion, the rest of the sequence follows
more easily.
The key to any good ritual is that it removes the need to make a decision: What
should I do first? When should I do this? How should I do this? Most people
never get moving because they can’t decide how to get started. Having a ritual
takes that burden off your shoulders.