Skip to main content

How Habits can Change You

So, I'm not super-human...(sigh...). This is a fact that I sometimes think of as unfair.

I have bad habits that need breaking, but I have plenty of good ones, too! I regularly do my cardio. I watch what I eat. I strive to look on the bright side of things and do my best to "do my best" under pressure. But, I also have a sweet tooth, can be quick to anger (especially when hungry or tired), and I'm sure I have a mile long list of other things needing improvement that you would rather not hear about.

While there are equally a lot of things I am great at, why is it that habits can seem to be such hard things to break? Just when you think you've moved past one, it jumps out in front of your path of progress to taunt and tease you; just hoping you will give in to it.

Well, my take is that habits are more than just a list of things you do. They are the things that make up who you are. Think about it. How you act, react, or interact with the world is purely based upon your habitual actions. Stay with me here; the reason I say habits make up who you are is because once you realize this, you have the secret to change...

Sometimes, like anyone, I can get to feeling blue, disappointed with where I am physically, spiritually, whatever... Typically, I arrive to these emotions because of the actions (or in-actions) I have consistently performed. While these actions innately are a part of me, this does not preclude my ability to change (myself or my environment). Tackling a tough, or negative, habit isn't meant to discourage you from trying to improve yourself. Instead, they are there to demonstrate how important change is to your future.

If you are doing something that regularly makes you unhappy, try not to focus on the "stopping" of that action, but rather find (and regularly DO) something that WILL make you happy. Something that "pulls" you toward that positive direction.

If you are ever going to grow into the person you wish to become, live the life you've always dreamed you would have; you MUST align your "habits" with the visions you have of the ideal you. If you want to be a healthy active person, habitually DO what healthy & active people do! If you want to be less stressed, actively pursue the activities and environment that encourages this emotion in you.

What it takes is consistency...

Be patient with yourself and don't let set-backs be the end of the road to your better self. Remember: failure is NOT forever. In fact, failure is only an indicator that you need to try a different approach or direction toward your dreams.

As always – Enjoy Your Life,

John Aaron Villarreal


The Legal Stuff: The content and information on this site is not intended to diagnose,
cure, treat or prevent disease. Please consult your physician
prior to starting any exercise or diet program.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What To Do When You’re Chronically Stressed

Of all the modern-day ailments that seem to affect us, none is more pervasive than stress. Everywhere you turn, there are factors lurking to redirect you from your peaceful pursuit of happiness and lock you in the clutches of “stress.” What exactly is stress—and what more insidious effects does it cause? The dictionary defines stress as “great pressure or force; strain.” In today’s world, we think of stress as the result of too much pressure laid upon us by life, causing mental worry or anguish. This, in turn, manifests itself in tight neck and shoulders, headaches, nervous stomach, etc. But these physical and mental conditions are really only the beginning. Studies show that stressful situations can develop into more threatening health conditions. For instance: A sudden or unexpected stressor can activate your adrenal glands, which sends adrenaline and other hormones into your bloodstream. This brings about an increase in your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood f

Simple Steps to Spring Forward Toward Fitness

Daylight savings time is a sure reminder that spring is just around the corner and there WILL eventually be an end to the winter weather. And while much of the country still dealing with bitter cold, here in Houston, we’re definitely ready for the warmer days. In fact, this is the time of year when you’ll find many of us increasing our outdoor activities and all too often push ourselves a little too hard. Unfortunately, what can result is often a few days of painful recovery time. So, I've got a short list of suggestions to consider as you pursue your favorite warm-weather pastimes this season: First, increase your activity level gradually — Pay attention to your body’s signals so you can avoid serious injury and don’t have to pay the painful price of overindulgence. Start slowly and do a little more each day and you’ll be up to speed in no time. Warm up — Plunging into activity before you get your body warmed and ready is inviting potential trouble. Avoid possible sprains,

The Benefits of Regular Massage Sessions

Once people discover the many joys and benefits of massage, a common question arises—“How often should I schedule my massage sessions?” Of course, there is no set answer, but studies indicate that massage at regular intervals is most beneficial to your overall health. In a Newsweek article entitled “The Magic of Touch,” the advantages of frequent massage are considered. The following excerpts help to answer the question, “How often?” “A weekly massage may seem an indulgence, but new research suggests it can have major health benefits... “Since instituting a program of massage, job-specific exercises and ergonomics in 1990, the Virginia-based company [Wampler Foods] has cut repetitive-stress injuries by 75 percent... “From assembly lines to corporate headquarters, Americans are discovering the magic of massage. At Boeing and Reebok, headaches, back strain and fatigue have all fallen since the companies started bringing in massage therapists... Doctors have started prescrib