We all experience moments in life when we strive to improve ourselves, whether that means breaking a bad habit like smoking, excessive drinking, or overeating. Once we decide to make a change, we often dive in headfirst, filled with enthusiasm and determination. Our motivation is at an all-time high; it’s exciting, and we can’t stop thinking about how we’re going to transform ourselves and how we’ll achieve it.
Yet, after some time, we find ourselves slipping back into old habits. The initial excitement and motivation fade, leaving us with only discipline—which slowly diminishes until it’s gone altogether. By the time we realize it, we’ve been off track for a while, and instead of correcting course, we lose hope and stop trying.
However, there’s something worse than trying to improve and not succeeding—it’s never starting at all. While failing teaches us valuable lessons and provides feedback, never beginning leaves us with nothing.
As Seneca reminds us, fools share one common trait: “They are always getting ready to start. They are always getting ready to change. And then? They never do.” Before changing your habits, take the time to analyze what that change means for your day-to-day life. Ask yourself how it will affect you and what you can do to stay on track when things go wrong. Understand that real change requires effort—it demands that you become a different version of yourself.
Breaking a long-standing bad habit is challenging because it’s comfortable and often tied to our identity. To make matters worse, even after beginning the process of change, one misstep can make you feel like you’re incapable of transformation. The mind craves comfort and predictability, but this is when you must remind yourself why you started. Relapsing may feel good in the moment, but you’ll regret it later.
Once you’ve embarked on the path of change, it’s helpful to reflect on where you started and where you are now. Establish checkpoints to review your progress. This practice will inspire and encourage you to continue with positive changes. By reflecting, you can also evaluate what has worked well and what hasn’t. Remember, the progress you’ve made was once just a thought—now it’s your reality.
As you build new habits, be mindful of the “valley of stagnation.” It may feel as if progress has slowed after a few weeks of steady improvement. This is where many people give up. Stay committed, knowing that if you continue to put in the work, you will eventually break through and see results. Focus on the process and the changes in your habits, rather than fixating on immediate outcomes.
Don’t delay. Don’t procrastinate. Start now! Bring your future closer by taking action today—there is no better time than now.
Take care.