Your Environment Shapes Your Choices: Let’s Break It Down
When we think about “environment,” it can feel a little fuzzy. What does it actually mean? For some, it’s the stuff immediately around them—like their couch, fridge, or desk. For others, it’s a bigger concept, like the neighborhood they live in, the community they’re part of, or even the world at large.
The truth? Both perspectives are spot on. Our environment, in all its layers, plays a huge role in the decisions we make every day. Let’s take a closer look at these layers and how they influence us.
Layer 1: The Body
Let’s start with the closest environment: you.Your body is the first thing influencing your behavior. What you’re wearing, holding, or listening to can nudge you in certain directions.
For instance:
If you’re wearing gym clothes, you’re more likely to stop at the gym.
If you’re holding a cookie, it’s probably going straight into your mouth.
If you’ve got headphones in, they might be blocking out distractions or helping you focus.
Ask yourself:
How is my body influencing what I’m doing right now?
Layer 2: What’s Within Reach
Next, think about everything you can grab without much effort. These are the things most likely to shape your behavior—sometimes without you even noticing.
A bowl of chips on the table? Gone before you realize it.
Your phone? Back in your hand, even though you swore you wouldn’t touch it.
A water bottle on your desk? You’ll probably drink more water throughout the day.
Tip: Want to encourage healthier behaviors? Place what you want to use (like fruit, a book, or a water bottle) within arm’s reach.
Ask yourself:
What’s within reach that’s helping or hurting my goals?
What could I add or remove from this layer to make better choices?
Layer 3: The Room
Now zoom out a little. Think about the space you’re in. The layout, lighting, temperature, and even the vibe of the room can shape what you do.
If your bedroom is cluttered, it might stress you out and make it harder to sleep.
If your office is set up with ergonomic furniture, it might make it easier to focus and stay comfortable.
Try this: Rearrange a room to shake things up and disrupt unhelpful routines.
Ask yourself:
How is this room influencing my behavior?
What changes could I make to this space?
Layer 4: The Place (Home or Building)
Your home or workplace also sets rules—both spoken and unspoken—that guide your actions.
Does your home feel calming or chaotic?
Is your office set up to make movement easy, or do you feel trapped at your desk?
Safety and comfort in your space matter. They affect everything from how you eat to how you relax.
Ask yourself:
How does this place influence what I do?
How can I adjust the rules of this space to better support my goals?
Layer 5: The Neighborhood
This layer includes everything in your immediate surroundings. How accessible are the things you need?
If you live near a grocery store, grabbing fresh produce is easy.
If you live in a food desert, it’s a much bigger effort.
Strengths-focused tip: Use what’s available near you to your advantage. Is there a park where you can walk? A library for quiet focus time?
Ask yourself:
What’s nearby that’s influencing my behavior?
What local resources could help me make better choices?
Layer 6: The Community
We’re also shaped by the social and cultural communities we’re part of.
Is your gym community supportive and motivating?
Does your workplace encourage wellness, or is it all late nights and fast food?
The norms and expectations of your community can either lift you up or pull you down.
Ask yourself:
What communities support my goals?
How can I spend more time in spaces that encourage the habits I want to build?
Layer 7: The State
Government policies, local laws, and regional culture all influence your environment.
Does your city invest in public parks or fitness initiatives?
Are healthy foods more affordable where you live, or is fast food the cheaper option?
This layer might feel out of your control, but awareness can help you find ways to work with—or around—it.
Layer 8: The World
Finally, we’re all influenced by global events and trends. Things like climate change, economic shifts, and international news impact our daily lives in subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways.
Ask yourself:
How are global events shaping my behavior?
What can I focus on locally to stay grounded?
How to Use This Framework
Want to put this into action? Try this three-step process:
Pick a layer to focus on (body, reach, room, place, neighborhood, community, state, or world).
Ask these questions:
What’s influencing my behavior at this layer?
What could I add to this layer to make desired actions easier?
What could I remove from this layer to make desired actions harder?
Make one small change to see how it impacts your choices.
Your environment doesn’t control you—but it does influence you. The more you understand it, the more you can shape it to work in your favor.
Want some further resources to try?
Want to examine your own layers? Try Layers of Environment Worksheet
Environmental Audit Worksheet
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