I’ve been thinking about habits. We humans certainly are “creatures of habit.” That’s not just a worn out phrase, it is a basic, cosmic truth. Think about it in your own life – don’t just take my word for it.
Take a few minutes and examine your typical day. Wouldn’t it be fair to say that most of it operates at the habit level? Aren’t most of these things habitual for you and the rest of the human population:
- What time you get up.
- Whether you take your shower in the morning or evening.
- Whether you shave or brush your teeth first.
- Which shoe you put on first.
- The foods that you consume regularly.
- The route you drive to work.
- The people you associate with.
- The music you listen to.
- The TV shows you watch.
- The restaurants you frequent.
- The clothes you wear.
- The time you go to bed.
OK, you get the point, but what does it have to do with fitness. I read a quote somewhere that goes like this:
First you make your habits, then your habits make you.
It seems to me that this is ever so true. Unfortunately, for most of us, our habits were made many years ago and they continue to “make us” even if they are not serving us well. Could one of those habits that is “making you” be the habit you established years ago to not exercise regularly? Hmmm.
Habits are sneaky, even devious. We are so used to them we don’t even notice them, but not all habits are worth keeping. Unless you want your habit of neglecting your body to “make you,” perhaps it is time for you to re-think, and yes, re-make that habit.
