Our environment can either support or hinder our efforts to form good habits. Unfortunately, the world we live in often makes bad habits far easier to form. It’s not that good habits are inherently more difficult—they simply face more resistance because of the obstacles our culture places in the way.
Take chastity and purity, for example. How do we cultivate these virtues in a world where scandalous ads and suggestive content are everywhere? Or consider temperance. It’s no surprise this is a challenge when the office breakroom is stocked with donuts and fast food is on every corner.
These aren’t excuses—they’re realities. Building virtue often feels like swimming upstream, against the current of societal norms and conveniences.
But there’s good news. While we may face external challenges, we have the power to shape our environment in ways that help virtue thrive. If we remove some of the stumbling blocks or distractions, we can make it easier to stay focused on our goals.
For instance, if temperance is a struggle, stocking your home with healthy snacks instead of junk food creates an environment that encourages better choices. If purity feels like an uphill battle, avoiding media that stirs up temptation is a way to set yourself up for success.
Ultimately, forming good habits isn’t just about effort—it’s about intentionality. We need to recognize the realities of our environment and actively create spaces where virtue has room to grow. Yes, it takes work. But when we cultivate the right surroundings, we make the path to virtue not just possible, but sustainable.