Have you ever given much thought to your habits — the thoughts and actions that form the framework of your day and the decisions for your future? The dictionary defines a “habit” as a constant, often unconscious inclination to perform some act, acquired through its frequent repetition; an established trend of mind or character; an addiction.

Habits start in your mind and get played out in your actions. They are learned ways of thinking and doing things that become automatic and reflexive — having become ingrained from years of practice — humming along in the background, like the operating system for your computer, so you do not have to consciously control every aspect of your day.

Habits are powerful, having the influence to shape your personal relationships, your work-related actions, your health. Unfortunately, some habits can spill over into areas of your life that you never intended them to enter.

Habits can be helpful. For example, we all have morning routines that jump start us emotionally, physically and mentally to prepare us for the day ahead. If during the week, you had to think of everything you did before you did it, it would take a good part of the morning just to roll out of bed, get ready, eat breakfast, head out the door and find your way to work.

Habits can also be harmful. Thoughtlessly popping another brownie into your mouth when you suffer from border-line diabetes will end up doing more long-term harm to your body than the short-term pleasure it brings.

Long-term, effective habits — those that get you what you need/want — can be a positive influence. However, if old or similar habits or patterns are no longer efficient or even harmful, you may still try to use them because they are familiar, or you are not even aware of their influence. That’s because habits actually become hard-wired in our brains, which is why it takes not only time to create a habit, but also to break or replace one.

In next Monday’s blog, I will write about understanding change.