" Habit … "

Seen it happen to a couple of friends

Seen it happen and the message it sends

Taken up for what's an obvious fault

Just to see what all the fuss is about

It's not your way...not your way

It's not your way ...

Another habit says it's long overdue

Another habit like an unwanted friend

I'm so happy with my righteous self

It's not your way...not your way

It's not your way

Never thought you'd... habit

Never thought you'd... habit

Never thought you'd... habit

I never thought you, never thought you...

~ Pearl Jam ~ Habit ~

***

I love the new year with fresh starts and new beginnings.  It is a chance to be more intentional with life.  And it is also an opportunity to cultivate good habits.  

Some may call it a “routine”, other’s a behaviour, but what makes a habit is consistency.  For a habit to be a habit, we would subconsciously repeat the same actions or activity.  You don’t have to think about it, it is just what you do.  Plus a habit won’t cultivate or fade on it’s own ... and when you establish a habit, the mind doesn’thave to work so hard, allowing you to create new ones easily.  

It takes an act of will to create a new habit ...

And we can begin by finding the habits that achieve your desired goal.  Start by finding people whose circumstances are similar to yours but who've achieved the success you desire. They are your pattern, they are your lesson plans.  

Once these habits or behaviours have been determined, then it is time to assess the time needed for them.  Resistance, procrastination and excuses will play their role, but it is about managing the dark with light & the negative with the positive.  Replace old habits that no longer serve you with new ones and calendar your new routines.

“We form our habits, and then our habits form us." ...

Take on one step at a time, one habit at a time.  Personally, I form the habit in my mind first which helps me perform it outwardly.  By seeing yourself performing the action in the places and circumstances you expect to perform in, you cultivate the expectations you want, not what you fear.  A process athletes utilize all the time.  

And watch the company you keep.  By spending more time with people who have the habits you want, you’lll see the possibility of forming those habits and be encouraged to create them.  This directly honours you and those around you by becoming the better human you may be longing to be.