How a Habit Can Change Your Life

WHAT IS A HABIT?
There are several definitions we can go by: a learned behavior that's repeated so many times, it becomes automatic, doing the same thing, the same way, the same time, with the same people, something you do over and over again until you no longer realize you're even doing it, an unconscious pattern of behavior acquired through repetition.


ARE YOU MORE AWARE OF YOUR HABITS OR THOSE OF OTHERS?
Many times we recognize others habits, the good, the bad, and the ugly. What about ourselves? Do we know ourselves well enough to recognize our own habits? Perform a brief self-evaluation. List the top 5  habits you have you consider a boost to your life, you know the habits that are on track with your goals and  inspirations. Now list 5 habits that come to you, you know are holding you back from what you're trying to achieve. What do you think when you look at those items? It's amazing how something so subtle such as food, might have such a powerful impact on your daily progress. You might not think food is powerful, or has power over you, why it sounds absurd. However, for many this is indeed the case. Whether it's food, television, internet, or even sleep.


WHY IS BREAKING A HABIT SO HARD?
Well, I believe it's more a state of mind. I do believe some habits, such as food, and internet, can be harder to break than habits such as television. Why? Because we must eat daily to survive, and function at our peak: mentally, physically, and emotionally. So, with these daily choices come regular tests of temptation. This is where one must have a plan of action. Go in with no plan, and you will also have no control over your actions, or at least believe you don't.


WHERE DO WE START?
Make a plan. Force yourself to do what ever it is you are trying to do, or not do, differently. Yes, this means you must be consciously engaged, no more auto-pilot. Be the Master of your self. Take charge, become accountable, responsible, and determined to follow through. No one, absolutely no one can do it for you. You are the only one who can make the choice, and follow through with the appropriate action. Ditto exercise, and everything else in your life.


HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?
Don't we all wish we had the answer. Input our habit into the computer and have it spit out some magic number? That's part of the journey. Part of developing mental toughness, and exercising faith in yourself , trust in yourself, and in Universal Law. No one knows for sure, but studies have shown when you follow a particular behavior for 3-4 weeks, it sticks. This does not mean you can take it for granted. It simply means it becomes easier to do, or not do, depending on what you are after.


WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Why do people procrastinate change? Even when for their own benefit? Perhaps it is fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of relying on a specific behavior for so long, one does not know how to deal with life, stress, etc., without it, or least they truly believe they cannot live without it. Decide what is truly important to you. Live your life for it. Eliminate the unnecessary obstacles. There are plenty of things to get in the way as it is, you do not need to create more.  


WHATS IN IT FOR ME?
You'll discover you can indeed overcome a habit you felt was unchangeable. You will gain confidence in yourself. You will gain an inner strength that cannot be described otherwise. You will begin to look at the next item on your list, and decide you can tackle it, too. You will be 'free' from obsessive behavior, and therefore experience less stress. You will be a strength to all around you. Who knows you might even write your own book about it!


HOW CAN A HABIT CHANGE YOUR LIFE?
It can make it, or break it. It can set you free or hold you in bondage. It can take you to your dreams, or keep your dreams a forever mystery. It can enhance your relationships, or destroy them. It can lead to a life fulfilling, or a dull day to day feeling of guilt from knowing you could be doing better. A habit can truly change your life. 


Life is too short my friends. Make the most of what you've been given. It takes a lot of courage to take that step, to overcome, and perhaps face a fear, but I know you can do it. Best to you!