Habitual Shine
Remember the tan hand-writing paper with two solid lines and one dashed line in the middle? Capital letters were expected to start at the top line while lower case letters began their life at the dash. I always loved penmanship, that is, until I encountered the letter 'C'. I'm not sure why I couldn't figure it out but for weeks, the letter 'C' was my arch nemesis.
One particular night, my errors outweighed the acceptable attempts and the thin paper tore under the pressure of my eraser. I must have restarted that blasted letter 'C' at least 3 times. My hands were plenty sore from gripping my pencil and I could no longer find the dashed line for the tears of failure that kept welling up in my eyes. I was utterly distraught over not my inability to curve the back of the letter - it looked more like a sideways 'U' than any 'C' I've ever seen. That darn 'C' was going to be the death of me I just KNEW it.
Because of that awful experience, I focused on my handwriting throughout the rest of childhood. I found victory over my nemesis and, every now and again, people even compliment my handwriting style.
Orators practice speeches in the mirror. Athletes practice for hours on end. Law students conduct mock-trials and even weddings have rehearsals. Practice, practice, practice but why?
Practice helps us learn to consistently perform an action. Habits are defined as behavior patterns acquired by frequent repetition or modes of behavior that can become almost involuntary over time. In other words, whether it be steps to a dance or a routine of setting goals, the more we work at an action, the more it weaves itself into the fabric of our lives.
A habit can be either progressive or destructive in nature. If we allow ourselves to continually practice negative behaviors, we can expect a return of the same. Take a bit of time to evaluate your normal routine and be encouraged to adjust for any practice that does not support your vision for the future.
By focusing positive habits we liberate ourselves and release the energy it takes to build toward goals. We become empowered to establish supportive relationships and match our ambitions to our ability. Success comes naturally when we form the habit of walking with purpose and diligence.
Below are a few personal habits that I find helpful
One particular night, my errors outweighed the acceptable attempts and the thin paper tore under the pressure of my eraser. I must have restarted that blasted letter 'C' at least 3 times. My hands were plenty sore from gripping my pencil and I could no longer find the dashed line for the tears of failure that kept welling up in my eyes. I was utterly distraught over not my inability to curve the back of the letter - it looked more like a sideways 'U' than any 'C' I've ever seen. That darn 'C' was going to be the death of me I just KNEW it.
Because of that awful experience, I focused on my handwriting throughout the rest of childhood. I found victory over my nemesis and, every now and again, people even compliment my handwriting style.
Today's Inspiration
Develop a pattern of excellence, achieve a life of success
Orators practice speeches in the mirror. Athletes practice for hours on end. Law students conduct mock-trials and even weddings have rehearsals. Practice, practice, practice but why?
Practice helps us learn to consistently perform an action. Habits are defined as behavior patterns acquired by frequent repetition or modes of behavior that can become almost involuntary over time. In other words, whether it be steps to a dance or a routine of setting goals, the more we work at an action, the more it weaves itself into the fabric of our lives.
A habit can be either progressive or destructive in nature. If we allow ourselves to continually practice negative behaviors, we can expect a return of the same. Take a bit of time to evaluate your normal routine and be encouraged to adjust for any practice that does not support your vision for the future.
By focusing positive habits we liberate ourselves and release the energy it takes to build toward goals. We become empowered to establish supportive relationships and match our ambitions to our ability. Success comes naturally when we form the habit of walking with purpose and diligence.
Below are a few personal habits that I find helpful
- Remain humble, pray often, give thanks always
- Look for opportunities where others see challenges
- Believe in self despite popular opinion
- Convert worry into problem solving energy
- Know when to say enough
Comments