Identity Change
When humans attempt to change a habit they focus on putting a full stop to a particular habit. For instance, we focus on quitting smoking. We don’t focus on replacing it. Monkey mind can’t be idle. It needs something all the time. If we don’t replace, we are still focusing on the old habit. As we all know, attention flows where we focus. That’s how it becomes difficult to get rid of old habits.
Person C asked person A and B if they would like to smoke. A replied, “I am trying to quit smoking and would like to avoid smoking.” B responded, “I am a nonsmoker” Both the statements create a striking difference in the identity. B already adopted the new identity of a non-smoker. A is still a smoker who is trying to quit smoking.
Likewise, when we develop a new habit. Instead of focusing solely on completing a book, let’s focus on becoming a better reader too. Finishing the book won’t help in developing the habit of reading. A habit doesn’t have an endpoint. It’s a lifelong thing day after day. However, becoming a reader will surely help to develop the habit of reading.
Cheers to the cohort members for continuing the Tiny Project for 17 days!
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