Building habits
The way we build a habit is similar to what happens when we create a path in a deep forest. First we struggle through the underbrush hacking and chopping our way; the next time through we can find our way because the path has already been blazed. Next we can travel on horseback, if we are slow and careful. A few more trips and the trail widens until we can ride two abreast. The next traveler makes their way with a small horse drawn cart, chopping trees out of his way to allow easier passage. Soon wagons come and then the first cars. One day the path becomes a paved single lane road which, over time, is expanded to a four lane highway with an earthen berm on both sides. Getting lost is now unthinkable. In fact getting out off of the highway takes intentional effort due to having to crawl up and over the berm. And if you’re not paying attention, it’s easy to fall back into; it has become the path of least resistance.
This is how we build habits over time. First we do something we have never done before and it’s really hard to do, then it gets easier and easier until finally we begin to do it unconsciously. This is great if we are ingraining a desirable habit, it can lead to real struggle if we are ingraining a bad one.
What habits do you have that you love
and what habits do you have that you
would like to change?
