AWiBers had an engaging morning seminar “Understanding Habits,” facilitated by Samrawit Moges, Founder and Manager of Travel Ethiopia, on October 25th. The session focused on the power of habits in shaping our identity and how consistent, intentional actions can lead to lasting personal transformation.

The session began with distinguishing the difference between motivation and habit. While motivation can be temporary and influenced by emotions or circumstances, habits are consistent and sustainable, they form the foundation for long-term success. Participants reflected on their own good and bad habits, gaining awareness of how their daily actions contribute to who they are becoming.

The discussion explored the science behind habits, explaining how they form in the brain’s ganglia, the center of routine, where dopamine reinforces rewarding behaviors. Through repetition, habits create natural neural pathways that lead to automatic actions. Emotions, Samrawit emphasized, play a stronger role in strengthening habits than logic does, reminding participants to celebrate small wins and start small but feel good about progress.

They discussed the concept of identity-based habits, which focus not just on what we want to achieve, but on who we wish to become. Members were encouraged to reflect on the question: “Who am I becoming, and does it align with who I want to become?”

Key Takeaways

• Motivation is temporary; habits are consistent and shape identity.
• Small habits, practiced daily, compound into significant results.
• Identity-based habits focus on who you want to become, not just what you want to achieve.
• Repetition and emotion reinforce habits, celebrate small wins and progress.
• Consistency is the quiet engine of transformation; accountability and environment matter.
• Tools like reminders, calendar checks, and progress tracking support sustainable change.

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