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The Power of Habit, Part I

I once heard someone say that everything we do – every day, all day – is either part of an old habit or part of a new habit.

Last week, I posted this riddle:

I am your constant companion. I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command. Half the things you do you might just as well turn over to me, and I will be able to do them quickly, correctly. I am easily managed—you must merely be firm with me. Show me exactly how you want something done, and after a few lessons I will do it automatically. I am the servant of all great people; and alas, of all failures as well. Those who are failures, I have made failures. I am not a machine, though I work with all the precision of a machine plus the intelligence of a human being. You may run me for a profit or turn me for ruin—it makes no difference to me. Take me, train me, be firm with me, and I will place the world at your feet. Be easy with me and I will destroy you.

Who am I?

As you have probably guessed, the answer is HABIT.

Habit is so powerful.  Over the next few weeks, I will address this topic in more depth.  For today, consider what I have posited above – is what you are doing RIGHT NOW part of an old habit or a new habit?

And for extra credit, is this habit serving you?  Or not?

Feel free to post comments so we can all learn together.

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About the Author

Picture of Cami McLaren

Cami McLaren

is the owner of McLaren Coaching. She has been coaching professionals and leaders since early 2008. She runs Transformative Coaching Essentials, a coach training program that produces first rate Professional Coaches and "Coach-Style Leaders." She coaches individually and works with organizations to improve communication, time management, productivity and ultimately bring greater results.

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