Habits

I read an article by Stu Walesh  recently that said “From 40 to 95 percent of human behaviour—how we think, what we say, and our overall actions—falls into the habit category. If we select a conservative 50 percent, we are on automatic pilot half the time.”

It’s an interesting thought isn’t it?  Is really half of what we’ll think, do and say today simply our habits?  Well.  If it’s safe for you to do this, try this out with me...

I’d like you to fold your arms.  So, obviously, one hand will have the fingers tucked inside your elbow, the other hand will be resting on your upper arm. So, look down and notice which is on your upper arm?  Which hand’s fingers can you see?  Now.  Unfold your arms, give them a little shake out and refold them BUT this time so you can see the OTHER hand. 

How was that?  Have you done it?  How does that feel?  For many people, they have to stop and think, at least for a moment to get it right.  For others it’s really, really difficult and for a few, it’ll be effortless.

For those of you for whom it WAS effortless and are currently wondering what on earth I’m going on about, it’s likely that you are the minority of folk who just embrace changes effortlessly.  If you had to stop and think for a moment, that’s quite usual.  You’re changing a habit.  And if you’ve still not done managed it yet.  Just take your time and think it through – it’s likely that you’re not yet in the habit of changing habits!

For those of you who’ve done it – how does it feel?  Most people report that it feels odd, at least at first.  And if you unfold your arms again and refold them, just notice whether you’re thinking about what you’re doing or doing it by habit.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. – Aristotle