Not All Habits Are Bad

We humans have the habit of complicating everything. We end up not doing this or that because of the time and work involved. This is precisely why most people are not able to make changes in their lives, it does not fit into our schedules. If you think about it, we are creatures of habit. In fact, our entire life is a ritual. We get up in the morning, pretty much do the same things, go to work and come home, have our little routines at night, then go to bed. So why is it so terribly hard to incorporate something new into our lives? Good question. The most common answer is, “I don’t have the time”.

Most people write down a list of New Year’s Resolutions each year in hopes of changing certain aspects of their lives. What happens to this list? Why aren’t most of us able to do any of the great things on our list? If a person cannot add one extra item to their lives, how do you expect to add an entire New Year’s list? We defeat ourselves before we can even begin to use our lists.

We don’t have to wait until New Year’s to make a list, try making one now. Take your time and write down all of the things you would like to accomplish. Add those items about yourself that need changing and those spiritual practices you want to begin. Write down anything and everything you wish for on your list, you can even create separate category headings and make smaller lists under those. Keep this list in a notebook and focus on one item at a time to bring into your life. Once you have accomplished one item on the list, scratch it off and move on to the next. By doing it this way you will one day accomplish all you desire and not feel overwhelmed in the process.

Once your list is done you will read it and say, “Where will I find the time?” The secret to making changes in our daily habitual lives is to add another habit. Just one. One single thing is enough to add to your life at a time. This tends to be most effective with the majority of people. By choosing one item on the list and beginning , it will eventually become habit and a routine in your daily schedule. You have made room for change without stressing over it.

As an example, a client of mine had invested thousands of dollars to buy books. These were books on every subject of the New Age. The books sat on the shelf unread, yet she continued to purchase more and more books. This person made a list and two of the items listed were to read all the books she’d purchased and to evolve more spiritually. She began by setting aside one hour each night before bed to read. After a couple of months this practice became a habit. By adding another routine to her daily schedule she accomplished those two goals, reading her books and growing spiritually.

Give it a try. We can all make changes in our lives by choosing one thing at a time. Just one! Begin doing it. Before you realize it , you’ll have added something else to your daily routine. You’ll have added a new habit…..Not All Habits Are Bad.