Privilege is an Advantage for Habit Formation

If defining the privileged as those who have access to more rights, resources, and time, the practice of atomic habits is certainly not exclusive for the privileged. But I can agree that it is easier for people with privilege to implement and practice habits. Because at the core of it, atomic habits are meant to sustain the resources that gave these advantages.

We can argue that atomic habits are meant to produce a well-balanced and more purposeful life. And that a sound life is a life with more opportunities. These opportunities can appear as more time for rest, more money to set aside for future use, or more energy to focus on important tasks.

Two individuals with different standings in life would approach forming atomic habits differently. If both had the desire to achieve a healthier lifestyle such as picking up the habit of exercise and a proper diet, the person with more time to spare because of their flexible work schedules, access to utilities such as a park or a gym, and access to a variety of healthy food because of better finances and location, will find it easier to start the habit. While another person with more responsibilities at work, has lesser time or finances to spare, and has limited to no access to proper nutrition, will have to adjust or shift responsibilities, finances and find food resources to make the habit work. But unless either of them is performing other duties they cannot shift or move, or have physical or mental limitations, they both can adjust start their exercise and diet for a healthier lifestyle. The question now is who will be able to sustain the habit?

It is easy to assume that privilege is a key component to forming any kind of life adjustment. But at the end of the day, the one with the motivation to persist will keep the habits. That is the constant reminder as to the purpose of why they are doing what they are doing. It will be like having a map, every direction and step would make sense. I may have the privilege of having a car, but without a guide, it is easy to get lost. Still, it is important to note that if I had the privilege of having a car and a guide, it is a greater advantage than having to walk barefoot with a guide. Motivation is the only key if all things were equal.