Creating or crushing a habit is simply a matter of choice
Photo by Márton Szalai on Unsplash
Change is a process that begins within the mind. — Henery X
The Power Of The Mind
2022, Henery X ©
Got Me To Thinking
Have you ever thought about why the person who came up with the phrase “It takes twenty-one days to break a habit” chose the number twenty-one? Well, I thought about the said question. My thoughts came about after I created a habit in seven days. Yes, that’s right, I created a habit in seven days. After I created the said habit, I asked myself the question, “If I can create a habit in seven days, could I possibly break one in the same time frame?” My answer was yes, I can break a habit in seven days. Would you like to know how? I mean, if for nothing more than to appease your curiosity. Well, if so, you’ll be reading on. If not, I hope the twenty-one-day option helps you.
Why?
The word why is powerful, outside of “if,” we arguably don’t use any other word more. Why do we use the word why so much? Well, it’s because we’re curious by nature. Our curiosity helps us to grow past where we are. Once we decide to honor it. “Why,” is us asking a question with the hopes we’ll receive not just an answer, but the right answer. The right answer is the one that will leave us feeling as though we weren’t intentionally lied to.
Let me share with you “why” I believe the individual who came up with the phrase “It takes twenty-one days to break a habit” chose the number twenty-one. The phrase is half of the primary reason I felt the need to create this piece. The other half is so that I could offer something else for you to consider with my seven-day option.
First, I believe most phrases of old misled those who had seen or heard them. There have been unseen forces working against us for a long time. The primary aim is to control every aspect of human life. Anywho, getting back to the reason, I believe they created the phrase in question. The average person doesn’t want to spend a day doing something, let alone twenty-one days. Sure, they’ll start off enthusiastically, but not seeing instant gratification will slowly but surely decrease the excitement, and old ways will seem more promising. Remember, I’m not here to convince you to believe. I’m here to offer you something else to consider.
Think Smarter…..
Struggle not only brings about an appreciation of accomplishment, but, just as importantly, it builds character as well. Nothing worthy of having will ever be gotten easily or overnight. We need to work if we expect to receive the reward, but we don’t need to work so hard to get it. The phrase, “work smarter not harder” is one of my favorite sayings. The hardest work I ever look to do is thinking of the easiest way to achieve the maximum result. Now, this is hard work, but it’s not as hard as physical labor. Everything we do involves thinking, everything. So, there is always the simplest way to accomplish any goal. Overthinking results in unnecessary physical labor. Why attempt to do something all at once, when it can be broken down in sections and completed, one part at a time? Different approach, same result. Again, thinking of the easiest way to achieve the maximum result is hard work, but it’s not as hard as physical labor.
What A Difference Seven Days Make
The instructor said sharply, “Ten push-ups!”
I complied with the request, but after three, I fell flat on my face.
“What’s the problem, brother?”
“I gave you what I had to give, Sir.”
“We’ll need to rectify that.”
“Yes, Sir.”
I was so embarrassed, but not to the point of giving up. In fact, the experience would become fuel for my fire.
Long story short, I worked on mastering those five push-ups for seven days. After the seven days, I incorporated three more push-ups every week. Five, eight, twelve, fifteen, eighteen, etc. When it was said and done, I was doing a hundred push-ups straight. But as you have read, it didn’t happen overnight, but over time. My desire was greater than my circumstance. My circumstance fed my desire.
Conclusion
The mind is powerful. When programmed properly, it can be partially responsible for some amazing things. I say partially responsible because the body and spirit have something to do with the process as well. The spirit simply allows the mind and body the opportunity to accomplish goals, nothing more, nothing less. Now the mind can be ready to act, but if the body isn’t willing to comply, nothing will happen. Contrary to popular belief, the body does not control the mind, but some don’t believe this based on the non-compliance of the body. But believe it or not, this is because of the same mind that wants to do something.
Two thoughts arise in our minds when we desire something. One is of the thing we desire, and the other is what it’s going to take to achieve it. No matter how strong our desire may be, if our desire for whatever it takes to achieve it isn’t just as strong, it won’t get done. As the mind goes, so goes the body. But I digress.
Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge my offering.
Remember. I’m not here to convince you to believe. I’m here to offer you something else to consider.
May we never lose our desire to outdo what we’ve already done.
Peace, Love, and the utmost Respect.