Bad habits are the termites in our success. Bad habits can essentially weaken, or ultimately destroy our progress, success and generally rob us of peace, happiness and fulfillment. None of this is truly profound. We are all well aware of this. Yet, we continue on engaging in certain bad habits that essentially lead us away from our goals.
BONDAGE
Bad habits are bondage. We are enslaved to them despite being conscious of the negative or fruitless impact they have on us. It could be a relationship we know we should end. It could be smoking, binge drinking, or worse. It could be excessive spending, eating, or staying up way too late. Whatever it is in our personal lives, we are fully aware that this behavior is simply not going to get us anywhere, positive at least. In order to change anything, it is imperative to change the way we think about it. When a bad habit influences the general outcome of our lives in a negative and damaging way, and we continue to engage in it – it is essentially not just a bad habit, but bondage. We are no longer freely making a decision, but are being self-destructive against our better judgment despite being well aware of the outcome; despite the pain and damage it causes every time, we are compelled to repeat this self- destructive pattern.
CHECKLIST
It can be easier to justify a bad habit when it isn’t overtly socially unacceptable like cigarette smoking, illicit drugs, or an abusive relationship; in which case, perhaps doing a quick mental check list can help you discern whether this bad habit is bondage.
- Every time I do it, how does the outcome make me feel?
- How does it affect my life and those around me?
- Does it set me back in any way?
- Am I ashamed of it?
- Do I gain anything positive?
We all struggle in one area or another with a bad habit or two. As we get older and shoulder more responsibilities and have to contribute more in interpersonal relationships, these bad habits can get in the way of areas in our lives being successful and healthy. Are there any bad habits you struggle with?
Much to Think About Nothing 