Breaking Habits

Knowing what to do and doing what you know are two entirely different things. We can read the books and attend all of the latest seminars but when it is all said and done, it's not what we know that will bring us success it's what we do; on autopilot. Throughout our life we have been creating habits and our habits have created the life we now live. Successful habits work together to create life and poor habits work together to destroy it. Wisdom is not just knowing this; it is doing whatever it takes to strengthen the successful habits and destroy the poor ones.

Developing habits takes time; breaking old habits and developing new ones may take even longer. We know we should exercise more, eat healthier, quit smoking, develop our financial IQ and learn how to control our anger but we don't. Geez, why did I just eat 4 donuts? I can't believe I lost my temper again! I really should learn how to manage my time better.... etc etc. After years of kicking ourselves we give up and start to develop excuses; I am big boned, it's my mother's fault, I was born this way. Whatever!

If you really want to change your habits to create a better life you must accept the fact that you cannot do it on your own and that you need help; after all, if you could have you would have by now.

Once you acknowledge and accept the fact that you need help, the next step is to find a training coach and an accountability partner. The best training coach would be one you can meet with at least once a week. The second best would be an audio coach; a resource you can listen to daily that will train and motivate you towards your desired behavior. After you find your coach or obtain the proper resource it is extremely important to commit yourself to exposing your mind to the desired behavior as often as possible until it is so imbedded in your mind that it comes natural in your behavior. At the same time you start the coaching practice you should also find an accountability partner. This person should be someone you can trust to speak into your life and who will not easily succumb to your pressures to revert back to your old habits. Your accountability partner is an important step to insure success. They will ask you the tough questions and help you stay on track and if need be; kick you in the butt when you get off. If you can find someone who will have you as their accountability partner in their growth plan it will make the process even easier.

Breaking old habits and developing new ones is not easy, but it is worth it!

Today is the first day of the rest of your life; go make it a great one!

Bob