Habits are our second nature. Our habits control us. Whatever we frequently repeat becomes a habit. 

We form our habits from birth. Oliver Wendell Holmes says that our habits start with our grandmother.

“We sow an act; we reap a habit; we sow a habit, we reap a character.”

Bad habits come quickly and easily. Excellent and correct habits require self-discipline and self-denial.

Most people only change a little after the age of twenty-five or thirty. They are on a trajectory they will follow all their lives unless they decide to pay a great price to form new habits.

Sadly, habits pass from our family. We learn what to do and not to do. We learn what attitudes and actions are acceptable and pleasing to those around us. 

We should notice the correlation between divorced parents and children who follow the pattern. Abusive parents raise abusive children. Alcoholics transmit the desire for the same lifestyle to their children.

This doesn’t have to be so, but it most often is because of the cost of forming new habits. Bad habits come naturally. Good habits come only at a significant cost.

Our habits are often blind spots to us. We would deny that we do what others see us doing. 

Just remember, if we do it once, it is easier to do it a second time, and if practiced enough, it will become a habit, a part of our nature.

It would be nice if we developed good habits. If we choose good habits, we will hate the bad ones. 

A dead fish can float downstream. It takes effort and discipline to swim against the current. 

Remember the statement, “like father like son,” or a “chip off the old block,” or “the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Even what you hate in your parents’ lives may be so ingrained in you it will take great effort to eradicate it. 

We will not change habits overnight. We have been doing what we do for so long that it is correct. It will take a long time to form a new habit in your life.

Our habits are like a force of nature, often taking us where we do not want to go. We must force ourselves to look over our lives and see what we want changed. Then, we have to note the discipline and steps it will take to turn from the old habit and form a new one.

With real willpower, we can focus ourselves to the point of change. We can develop habits that will thrill us. We want them. The question is, will we pay the price?

What is holding you back? What are you holding onto that you refuse to let go of? Decide that what you want is more important than what you have. Then, break it down into small achievable steps and form a new habit.

Without extreme effort, we will do what we did yesterday, today, and then again tomorrow. 

Habits can be changed, but it will be painful. We must never stop. We must do it until it becomes a new habit. No relaxing, no snooze button on this. Force yourself to do day by day what you know is the habit you want. 

Remember, if you do it once, it is easier the second time and even easier the third. Eventually, it can become a habit.

New habits are formed just like the old ones were. What you do today can be repeated tomorrow. 

You may need to choose different friends and a different environment. We become like what we are around. 

The saying is birds of a feather flock together. In Spanish, the saying is “Dime con quien andes y te dire quien eres.” “Tell me who you spend time around, and I will tell you who you are.”

If habits are so strong, shouldn’t we decide which habits we want in our lives?

You can be on time if you want to.

You can tell the truth.

You can keep your word.

You can focus on your work. 

You can spend time with the Lord God of Heaven every day.

You can read to grow.

You can choose your friends wisely.

You can handle your money with integrity.