Most of our daily actions are driven by autopilot, a habitual force rather than conscious choice, according to new international research published in Psychology & Health. The study, led by psychologists from the University of Surrey, University of South Carolina, and Central Queensland University, reveals that nearly two-thirds of the behaviors people carry out every day are prompted by routine, not by deliberate decision-making.
Mind on Autopilot: How Habits Shape Our Daily Lives
On a busy Monday morning, Sarah finds herself brewing coffee, checking emails, and reaching for her gym bag, all before her brain registers she’s doing them. Like many, Sarah assumes these actions are driven by intent. But new findings suggest her mind runs more on autopilot, habitual cues set in motion by familiar surroundings.
Researchers surveyed 105 adults from the UK and Australia, sending random prompts to their phones throughout the week. Each time, participants described their current activity and whether it was undertaken out of habit or conscious thought. Astonishingly, 65% of responses indicated that people act out of habit, without thinking or choosing specifically.
The study’s co-author, Prof. Benjamin Gardner, says,
“While people may consciously want to do something, actual behavior is often initiated without thinking, driven by non-conscious habits. This means ‘good’ habits can help achieve goals, but simply ‘trying harder’ isn’t enough to break bad ones.”
Instead, the scientists recommend practical strategies: embed desired behaviors into everyday situations and disrupt existing negative triggers. For example, consistently scheduling exercise after work can help transform intention into routine, while avoiding places tied to smoking can break unhealthy cycles.
Dr. Amanda Rebar, lead author, adds that building habits aligned with personal goals, like better sleep or nutrition, can turn autopilot into a reliable ally, though not all habits are equal. Exercise, notably, still requires more effort even when triggered by routine.
In the end, the message is clear: most everyday actions are not carefully weighed decisions, but automatic responses shaped by habit. Harnessing this autopilot, rather than fighting it, may be the key to better health and lasting change.
