What good habit have you broken for too Long? 6 Reasons Why Consistency Matters

My good people… happy, happy New Year!? Right there is a red flag. Why am I wishing you a happy new year in mid-February? Where have I been for a month and a half? What have I been doing since the year began? I am asking myself the same thing. Thank you to all who have asked me what happened to my writing, and I had no good answer but to hang my head in embarrassment. Some of you even suggested topics for me, but I was to lethargic to put pen to paper- or is it fingers to the keyboard? ?Then this week, one of you said- write on breaking habits! And here I am, trying to understand what happened to me, while hopefully helping you not to make the same mistake!

In the realm of personal development and self-improvement, breaking habits is often hailed as a triumph. Whether it's quitting smoking, reducing screen time, or hitting the gym regularly, there's no denying the value of breaking away from negative patterns. However, there's an overlooked caveat to this pursuit: breaking a habit for too long can be detrimental to one's progress and well-being. In this article, we explore why consistency is key and why abandoning habits indefinitely may not be as beneficial as commonly perceived.

1. Loss of Momentum: Habits are formed through repetition and consistency. When we break a habit for an extended period, we disrupt the momentum we've built, for instance, writing for me while I had it going would be almost automatic despite how busy or not busy, I was; my system knew there was writing to be done without struggling. Momentum is crucial for maintaining progress and achieving long-term goals. As James Clear, author of "Atomic Habits," aptly puts it, "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."

2. Diminished Skill Retention: Many habits involve skills that require regular practice to maintain proficiency. When we abandon these habits for an extended period, we risk losing the skills and progress we've worked so hard to develop. I can tell you for a fact, that today I am struggling to find my mojo. As Aristotle once said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

3. Reversion to Previous State: Habit formation involves rewiring the brain's neural pathways. Over time, these pathways become stronger and more ingrained, making it easier to stick to the habit. (Think of it like a road that is often used, and then vehicles stop using it). However, when we break a habit for too long, those pathways weaken, and our brains may revert to previous patterns of behavior. As Charles Duhigg, author of "The Power of Habit," notes, "Habits are powerful, but delicate. They can emerge outside our consciousness or can be deliberately designed. They often occur without our permission but can be reshaped by fiddling with their parts."

5. Psychological Impact: Breaking a habit for too long can have psychological consequences as well. It can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and disappointment, especially if the habit is tied to personal goals or aspirations. (Do any of you identify with what you have been feeling after breaking your good habit?) ?These negative emotions can further hinder our ability to reestablish the habit and may even discourage us from pursuing other positive changes in the future. In the words of Maya Angelou, "Nothing will work unless you do."

6. Missed Opportunities for Growth: Habits are not just about reaching a specific goal; they're also about personal growth and self-improvement. When we break a habit for too long, we miss out on the opportunity to challenge ourselves, learn new skills, and become the best versions of ourselves. As Benjamin Franklin famously said, "Your net worth to the world is usually determined by what remains after your bad habits are subtracted from your good ones."

In conclusion, while breaking a habit can sometimes be necessary or beneficial, doing so for too long can have adverse effects on our progress and well-being. Consistency is key to maintaining momentum, retaining skills, and achieving long-term goals. Instead of abandoning habits indefinitely, consider taking breaks strategically, setting realistic expectations, and focusing on sustainable progress. By prioritizing consistency and perseverance, we can maximize our potential for growth and lead more fulfilling lives.

And to all of you who nudged me towards picking my writing habit, I thank you from the bottommost past of my heart!

Question for you: Do you have a topic you want us to tackle together? Let me know!

Awesome weekend ahead!