Ever
wondered why old habits are hard to break?
I have. I do the things that I
don’t want to do. I know overeating is
not good for me, but as soon as I set down to eat my habit takes over. I habitually go back for seconds. I habitually eat fast. Neither of these things are what I want to
do, but I still almost involuntarily do them.
It is these habits, or natures, that are very persistent and difficult
to break. What is the solution?
Let’s look at the science first. Kathleen Berger in her book, “The Developing
Person through the Life Span,” talks about the brain. I will spare you the psychology terminology,
and give you an illustration to help you understand what goes on inside your skull. When you think a thought or perform an
action, a path is created inside your brain.
Have you ever walked through the grass or snow and noticed that the more
you travel that path, it becomes more visible?
As a matter of fact, if you are in tall grass like in a meadow or deep
snow, that path is actually easier to walk the more trips you make. Well, that is what happens in your
brain. Those repeated mental trips make
it easier for your brain to go there.
The opposite also happens. The
less you use that mental path, the “grass” will grow back and make it more
difficult to find.
This is AMAZING! Just think about the implications of this for
a moment. If you want to change your
habits it is possible! It is not easy,
but it is possible.
For instance, if I wanted to break my
habit of overeating, I have to find alternate paths to travel. Furthermore, I will be more successful if I
map out a plan before I set down to eat.
My goal is to choose a new path.
This could be done by putting my food on one plate at the stove, and not
putting the food on the table. I have
also tried to rig up a wire to my eating utensil that has a switch on the other
end; that way, if I don’t set my utensil down between bites and chew for a
thirty count, my wife can deliver an electric shock. Just kidding, but I think it would work.
This is the bottom line. We have to change our thinking to change our
outcome. New paths in the brain can
equal New Habits. The laws of nature are
irrefutable and we were fearfully and wonderfully made. As a way to change your thinking, I have an
assignment for the Negative Nancy’s out there.
For the next three weeks, before you go to bed, write down three things
that you are thankful for; it can be something small or big. See how your mindset changes and feel free to
comment below.
Nick
Massey is a Life Coach, Speaker, and Writer.
To read more from Nick Massey, or to schedule him for a Life Coaching
session, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our
website at http://www.coachmassey.com.
© 2014 Nick Massey
No comments:
Post a Comment