As I sat home on a pleasant summer evening, I said, “in that case I can start writing again.” I had my trusty laptop I have not given up in years. I only want to share. What will I be talking about? A bit about what I know, a bit about what I do not know, a bit about what I learned, and naturally about what I have lived through. Sometimes, all you need is one step or courage. If you have a partner who can give you that courage you
are luckier. Not knowing what I had written, he asked:
Why did I not give up, and what was I doing with the old laptop while I had a new one at home? Do you also have things you cannot give up? Perhaps, this is not about giving up but about being lazy. Is it easier to stick with what we are used to? Are new things and change more difficult? I base my discussion on the laptop, but many habits can be considered in this context. Would you like to share your habits and their reasons with me?
While you are thinking about this, I have conducted some Internet research and found a good article I would like to share.
In short, it states: “Habit is the simple form of learning. The more automatic a behavior is, the more it can be considered as a habit. In general, our habits do not require our conscious attention.
Habits may be good or bad. Hard working, writing, reading, regular exercise, meditation, etc. are examples of good habits. Alcoholism, drug addiction, lethargy, procrastination, telling lies, dishonesty, stealing, deceiving others, escapism, etc. are examples of bad habits.
Habit formation may be explained in two terms—Physiological and Psychological. Habits are divided into three types depending upon the nature of activities:
1- Motor habits
These habits refer to muscular activities of an individual. These are the habits related to
our physical actions such as standing, sitting, running, walking, doing exercise,
maintaining particular postures of body, etc.
2- Intellectual habits
These are the habits related to psychological process requiring our intellectual abilities such as good observation, accurate perception, logical thinking, using of reasoning ability before taking decisions and testing conclusions, etc.
3- Habits of character
We express some of our characters in the form of habits. For example, helping others who are in need, trusting people, being honest, talking in a friendly way, time management, hardworking, keeping our dress clean and tidy, etc. These habits are emotional habits.
William James, the famous American psychologist has suggested the following measures for habit formation.
a) Make a good start:
We should have strong motivation and determination of mind.
b) Keep regular practice:
It is essential to practice the new habit regularly until it becomes a routine in our life.
Postponement or interruption should be avoided.
c) Choose a favorable environment:
Good habit formation depends upon the encouraging atmosphere also. As an example,
for a student who wants to work hard, there must be a company of hard-working
students and not lazy fellows who have no interest in studies.
d) Do not stop till the goal is achieved:
Once a habit is formed it is to be strengthened. Hence it should be continued until it is
firmly rooted.”
I would add that habit formation may require motivation and at least 21 days of repetition. Naturally, this topic involves our lives and a lot can be written on this. In fact, the same items can be used to give up habits as well: intention, motivation, a suitable environment, and persistence until the target is reached.
This is all for tonight. I am happy to write again, and I am waiting for your news. Love.
