What about the subconscious habits? The ones that reveal themselves not necessarily in what you do, but in how you speak or in what you think. For example, while you're in a bad mood, or after a bad day - Are you quick to anger? Easily frustrated? Plagued by low self-esteem? Hate to say it, but you've got a habit problem, as well. One thing I am still working on is self-hate. Can it be completely eliminated or only diminished? I told a friend of mine that we are oftentimes are own worst critics - the issue lies in how we respond to our critiques. Being careful with our response, sometimes, will eventually eliminate self-hate. Others may still be mindful of the potential hate, but not crippled by it.
I think it's safe to say that some habits are meant to be broken, and in turn, replaced with better ones. My bad habits at this point are too many to type, but there isn't anything on that list that I can't reverse the fate of. A friend of mine gave me a quote of the year a few days ago: "Complaining is voicing your concerns. Complaining with no action equals whining." (He should really write a book with this stuff.) Here's something I did last year. (TOO MUCH INFO alert) So...last year for Lent (40 days between Mardi Gras and Easter set aside for "pious" behavior), I decided to give up pornography. It wasn't even a raging issue of mine anymore (but it used to be, OMG!), or something I relied on during fits of excitement. Just...a pastime I did out of habit. It's amazing how much you realize how much you don't NEED something by simply going without it.
This month, I'm going without soda or fried foods. And I'm back to working out on a consistent basis. Any habits you'll feel like breaking? Anything you feel like starting new with? What you waiting on??
Great insight. I have. Een working on, quite successfully, at having an open mind about others. I realize judging people is a habit that I can change with a little effort.
ReplyDeleteI'm learning to love myself more, which includes doing things that will better/improve my health and well being. Those are true acts of self-love.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Great read. The main habit I'm working hard towards breaking is my tendency to worry. I tend to be a worrier, about an array of issues. If I'm not busy doing some sort ot assignment at work (or doing something at the apartment), my mind starts wondering on the "what ifs", the "coulds", the "shoulds", the "maybes", etc...ranging from issues involving my finances, my eating habits, etc..so this is actually a habit that will help to be broken if I can work on fulfilling these individual wishes/wants/goals that plague my mind sometime with their own individual worries for me (if that makes any sense). I'm working on it and beginning to push myself to stop the "dreading" process, and to take much more action and proactivity. And it helps.
ReplyDeleteThese are all great improvements to self you all are making. The key to a habit is consistency. So maintain!
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