Some have a strong habit of altruism, this is true for me as well. When I am writing an article, it helps me to visualize a person or a business that might read the information and be helped by it. And, my choice to do business with a company myself is often influenced by knowledge that the business owner is also motivated by altruism and enjoys helping others through their product or service. In “The Biology of Belief” by Bruce Lipton he identifies early religious study or education as one way habits like altruism can be shaped. A person does not need to test high for a habit of altruism, to end up doing a lot of good for others or for the world in their work. For instance, strong habits of problem solving and innovation could lead to inventions that solve important problems or create a technology that frees many people.
When altruism as a habit is very high, to the level of what is called a “radical habit,” this is when the habit controls the person and there can be a situation where a person is “dangerously altruistic” to the point where it puts the stability of their business or finances at risk. When I have a client whose altruism is very high and they find a pattern in their life of being taken advantage of or abused by others, we work to use their other strong habits to create a system where they can build a metaphorical locking door and lock out of their lives anyone who does not deserve their altruism. This way, they can continue being altruistic, the goal is not to change that but to become more conscious in applying the habit to their environment.