That Treacherous Goddess: Habit

I might not remember too much from my undergrad studies of physics as I was pretty dreamy about my upcoming nuptials and signing “ Mrs. Ken Friess” in the margins of my notebooks,  but I do remember one important fact: that inertia is a property of matter by which something that is not moving remains still and something that is moving goes at the same speed and in the same direction until another thing or force affects it.  Simply, that which is moving keeps moving and that which is still remains still. I bring this up because the biggest challenge with my coaching clients is helping them to get unstuck. For many breaking negative habits is tremendously challenging; they cannot seem to break the habit cycle.  I think that Habit and Inertia are sisters. If one has the habit of not exercising, inertia keeps them on the sofa instead of at the gym. If one feels isolated and lonely, the habit of not embracing the world is held in place by inertia.

            I see healthful living, such as daily exercise, careful diet, and living responsibly as HABITS. I think living the best life possible is a HABIT and it is a habit anyone may adopt for free.  Some of you know that when I am not writing books, I am reading them. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George is a fascinating novel stuffed with tidbits for better living. This is what one of her characters says about habit: Habit is a vain and treacherous goddess. She lets nothing disrupt her rule. She smothers one desire after another; the desire to travel, the desire for a better job or a new love. She stops us from living as we would like because habit prevents us from asking ourselves whether we continue to enjoy doing what we do.

            Powerful thoughts by Nina George!  If we can look negative habits in the eye and shake them loose, a new way of living can become a daily rule. Experts tell us that after a few days of repetition an action can become a habit. If you are dismayed by the fact that in your heart of hearts there are things you want to do, why not start a new chapter today? Why not confront those negative patterns of living and begin something ne? That vain and treacherous goddess, Habit, could be working positively for you so that you live longer, feel better, and enjoy your loved ones more fully. It’s a thought. I’d love to hear what you think. My best, donna

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