Whether good, bad, or neutral, habits can have great power over our behavior. When deeply enstated, they can block some alternate behaviors and pull others into the habitual repertoire
Why New Choices?
People, as a rule, get stuck in the routines. Our brains prefer known patterns. “Whether good, bad, or neutral, habits can have great power over our behavior. When deeply enstated, they can block some alternate behaviors and pull others into the habitual repertoire (Graybiel, 2008, p. 360).” Just like driving the same road, to the same destination day after day. The paths we choose and take so often are hard to deviate from. Change seems scary. When we come to a decision point, we tend to want to make the choices we’ve made before, because even if we may not like the outcome, at least it’s familiar. As the saying goes, “better the devil you know than the devil you don’t”. The problem is by making the same choices we can be making the same mistakes, or worse missing an amazing opportunity.
By being courageous and making a new choice, instead of falling in to old patterns, you are opening your world. You are inviting opportunity. You are willing to make new mistakes with the hopes of attaining your dreams and goals. Give yourself the opportunity to grow, to learn, to step up to the challenges you set for yourself. Take the road less traveled and see what a difference it can make (Frost, 1916).
You don’t have to make new choices alone. I am here for you. I will support you. I will encourage you. I will be here to listen to you. I will be here to celebrate your victories. Dare to make new choices for your dreams, your goals, your life.
References
Frost, R. (1916). Mountain Interval. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Graybiel, A. M. (2008). Habits, rituals, and the evaluative brain. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 31(), 359-387. http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev.neuro.29.051605.112851