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.

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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