What are your habits?

September 7th, 2010 by admin

“The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.” ~Samuel Johnson

Habits can make us or break us. We all have many habits, some cultivated and some ingrained. Have you ever asked yourself what habits you have that are helpful? How about habits that are harmful.

We start developing habits as soon as we are born. As babies we soon learn that we can get attention when we cry. After seeing this work for a time it will become a habit that whenever the baby wants attention, it will cry.

We are not even aware of many of our habits because they are so deeply ingrained that we just do them without thinking about them.

Many of the habits we form as we grow up may inhibit our grow, such as habits formed from feelings of low self-esteem or lack of self worth.

Many of the habits we form as we grow up will depend on how we are treated by our parents and peers. If our parents were supportive the habits will probably be positive, if they were not the habits could possibly be harmful.

As the quote says, many of our habits go unnoticed until they become so strong it becomes very hard to break them if they are harmful. Many people think that they have some habits that need to be changed.

However, habits cannot be changed, they must be replaced. You replace the habit by consciously choosing another action at the time you would ordinarily start the habit you wish to stop.

The first step is becoming aware of the harmful habits. To do this it is good to stop and take a look at your life every once in a while. If you are not where you want to be, ask yourself why not? Try to determine those habits that are preventing you from moving forward in your life as you would like to.

Practice awareness and when you notice yourself in a situation where you would usually exhibit actions of habits that hold you back, make a conscious effort to start a different action that will help you move forward.

It is not easy to replace many of our habits, but it is possible. It takes commitment and discipline. You must set you intention and work at it.

How mush do you want to change your life? Most people would like to change, but are not willing to put the energy necessary into effecting the change. They will continue on their present path and blame their shortcomings on parents or luck.

How committed are you? Be honest with yourself and decide where you want your life to go. Cultivate the courage to effect the changes in your life that will lead you to the realization of you goals and desires.

Anything is possible, if you only believe.

TODAY’S TIP: Take some time to be with yourself. Perhaps in a nature setting and do an honest evaluation of your life. If you are not happy where you are change.

Are you willing to put the energy into replacing your negative habits?