How much thought do (or don’t) you give to your habits? I have to admit I don’t give them enough thought, but this past Sunday I did. I was driving to the pharmacy when I went in the direction of another store. Both stores are in the same general direction; however, going this way would take longer for me to reach the pharmacy. It dawned on me that I went this way out of habit, without thinking about it. Have you ever done this?
I started thinking about how many other things I do out of habit, things I do automatically with no real thought given. I know I have some good habits and some not-so-good habits. Can you relate?
Habits are important. Habits make up most of our day. We need good habits around personal care, diet and exercise, work and study, and even within our relationships (e.g. healthy boundaries). And what about “bad” habits, or those behaviors that don’t contribute to a better quality of life? They can be replaced with good habits, or changed behavior, but this process takes time. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Recent research says it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to break an unwanted habit and some recommendations to help make a change include identifying our triggers and altering our environment and/or finding an accountability partner.
It’s important that we give ourselves the time necessary to replace an old habit with a new one. As Brian Tracy says: “Good habits are hard to develop but easy to live with, bad habits are easy to develop but hard to live with. The habits you have and the habits that have you will determine almost everything you achieve or fail to achieve.”
Now I know that taking a little detour on my way to the pharmacy isn’t the worst thing I can do, but it did make me notice how easy it is to do something out of habit and without thinking. I love when a lesson stops me in my tracks (literally and figuratively) and gets my attention. This week, I’ve been more closely observing what I’m doing or not doing throughout my day. I’m becoming more aware of my triggers and my reactions or responses to them, and identifying where I “space out” in my behaviors and actions. It’s hard work to be more mindful, but it’s worth it to move forward. I don’t want to look back in a few years and wish I’d taken the time to change an unhealthy habit. I want that process to start today.
To change anything we have to be aware of what needs changing. It’s the first step. Are there habits you want to change?
Healthy
Actions
Behaviors
Introspection
Time
Success
Thanks Marie,
I hope to get into praying before I do anything or answering anyone. Allow the choices I make to be our Lord’s and not my own.
Thank you once again.❤🙏😊
He will honor your prayer.
Thank you, Marie,
I need to pray when I get into my car. So many times I take it for granted. Brenda mentioned how she prays; I do at times,but not every time.
Thank you ladies!❤🙏😊
Yes, prayer for the car and safety. I ask God to put angels around my car.
Pondering quote in habits blog “To change anything we need to be aware of what needs changing”
Will contemplate 🤔 and write further as applicable to topic. Thx for thought provoking discussion.
Yes, being aware of what needs changing takes time and reflection,
Thank you, Marie .
I’ve been procrastinating about starting a healthier eating regimen and more exercising.
Your words have encouraged me to start tomorrow.
I have to do these things to keep my health issues from getting worse.
Thank you again😍
You’re welcome.
I look forward to hearing about your progress of a healthier eating regimen and exercise. So important to take the time to care for ourselves.
Thank you for the reminder. I do need to be more mindful of how I’m spending each day. I want to be a better steward of the life God has given to me.
Once we use our time, we never get it back. I needed that reminder too.
Great article! Going to start today….many thanks!
Thank you. Go for it!