Old Habits Should Die

Most of us are slaves to habit and familiarity. It has been observed a wounded animal will return to what is familiar. Because man is also an animal he likes familiarity and in time of trouble will also return to what is familiar. This bit of knowledge is how criminals are tracked down. For instance a white collar criminal who has expensive tastes in cars and fancy restaurants can be easily caught. He will be driving his favorite type of car to his favorite restaurant. A wounded pet will make its way back home. There is a compelling force driving us to old surroundings because these surroundings remind us of how we were or are supposed to be – they are comforting and reassuring. It is no wonder old habits die hard. How do we break away from habit? What is the secret to changing a lifetime of habit? How does one go about changing years of habit? Many people who have had bear death experiences or have had severe trauma in their lives come away with instant change. Their lives are never the same and it is most noticeable by those most familiar with them. Meaningful change does not have to come by hitting yourself over the head with a hammer nor do you have to sign up for courses or college. Change can come fairly easily, in simple steps, which are subtle and for the most part unnoticeable.
Before change can come there needs to be a desire for change. A complete lifestyle makeover can be accomplished over a period of time without much difficulty. Habit simply means you are doing the same thing over and over again.

Lasting change does not come with making a change, but with commitment to keep changing until it becomes a habit – a habit of change. One of the best times to start your change is first thing in morning. Commit yourself to making at least one tiny change everyday and it doesn’t have to be same change. Try turning your alarm ahead or back 10 minutes. In other words get up at a different time tomorrow morning. Probably, no one will even notice. Try leaving your house 15 minutes early for work one morning or take a different route - you will see new people and different things.

Make small subtle changes which will not upset your life or those around you. Make this your priority every day – to do something different. What you are going to start noticing is how things start changing around you and how people will start to treat you differently. They will notice a change in you and want to know what it is. They will start paying more attention to you and may want to get closer.

Mostly, when you start practicing change for some time, it usually leads to several changes and it lasts the rest of the day. You might find yourself goofing off and returning to old habits, but don’t reprimand yourselves.
Simply notice the changes and make corrections – after all, it is your . With the awareness of changes comes opportunity for changes. As you cultivate your habit of changes, you will begin to make bigger changes and you will start ranging out. Your growth will start to accelerate and you may find yourself in conflict with those around you and who know you the best.

Remember this -- people will not want you to change, they will try to hold you back. It is very important during this process for you to find new friends and people who will support you. There are others who cherish growth and nurture it in others. For the most part your family and friends will not support you.