Don’t be at a disadvantage

For this we must make automatic and habitual, as early as possible, as many useful actions as we can, and carefully guard against growing into ways that are likely to be disadvantageous. 

In the acquisition of a new habit, or the leaving off of an old one, we must take care to launch ourselves with as strong and decided initiative as possible. “Never suffer an exception to occur till the new habit is securely rooted in your life.” 

Seize the very first possible opportunity to act on every resolution you make, and on every emotional prompting you may experience in the direction of the habits you aspire to gain” –Professor William James; Power of Will by Frank Channing Haddock.  

I believe Mr. James at the beginning is stating that we must put in safeguards in our life to limit us from putting ourselves at a disadvantage.

What is a disadvantage?  It could be a number of things.  I typically discuss career aspirations, success, health, wellness, money, relationships, to name a few.  So what kind of safeguards can you put into your life to prevent yourself from being at a disadvantage in one of these areas?

“Never suffer an exception to occur till the new habit is securely rooted in your life.”  I think the author hit the nail on the head with this one.  Many of us start down a new path with a new routine and we think that after doing it a few times we can give our self some grace.  Don’t do this.  You must work hard daily and again put in processes and routines in our lives that force us to make our new initiatives habits.

Lastly, the author says seize every opportunity to pursue the new habit.  The key here is to take action and not wait.  Some people say at the beginning of the year, or next week, or after this holiday I will.  Why not start now?  Take every opportunity to form the new habit.

So to ensure you are not at a disadvantage you must do these three things: 1) Safeguard yourself from things that could put you at a disadvantage. 2) Never make exceptions until the new habit is securely rooted in your life. 3) Seize every opportunity and take action.

To your success and your future.