I sometimes think that one of the most difficult acts we attempt is when we decide and then begin a new habit. Stopping one isn’t any easier – theoretically, you just stop doing whatever it was you were doing. Granted, if it’s something you enjoy doing or it gives you any satisfaction when you are doing (fill in the blank), it isn’t always simple to go cold turkey, but it can be done. Other than the difficulty level, starting is completely different.
Starting requires thought, commitment, appreciation of where you are and where you want to end up… but maybe all that’s needed is a willingness to do whatever needs doing in order to – here, perhaps, is the problem? Why are we wanting to start this new habit? I can guarantee you that if you are stopping an old or starting a new, that if you aren’t doing this for yourself, then success is dramatically limited. Now that I think on start… stop, maybe they both are equally difficult to start and stop, especially if your heart isn’t in it.
Habit(s) is the point regardless of beginning a new one or attempting to stop one that isn’t ‘good’. Do you know your methodology to accomplish your start and stop? Regardless of focus, if you don’t have a plan to meet your obstacles on the way to success, you will have problems. If ever there is a hindrance or initial deterrent to success it’s our lack of planning to meet any problems we face on our way.
At various times in our lives we all determine to make a new beginning or end a behavior that is counterproductive. Do you remember your times of successes and times of interference with success? Now, do you remember how you responded to these? It really is important if for no other reason than as a guide for your next start… stop adventure. And perhaps that’s the most important key – our attitude, how we go about doing and resolving the issues to a new habit. Because even stopping an old, ingrained habit will require developing a new habit…
