DID you know up to 40% of our daily actions are habits rather than conscious decisions?
Our habits serve as the building blocks that form the foundation of our goals.
However, it is easy to slip into familiar patterns and unproductive cycles. For many, forming new habits can be immensely challenging. We often struggle because we focus on erasing old ones, making it feel like a battle against ourselves.
Instead of fighting this, it’s more effective to create new pathways that lead us to growth. By taking small intentional steps, we can shape our lives in meaningful ways.
Stephen Covey once said: “The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” This means that instead of trying to force drastic changes all at once, we should focus on what truly matters and gradually align our habits to those priorities. Building new habits is about consistency, not perfection.
Below we shall discuss a few habits we can adopt that will aid us in making our priorities clear.
Choose abundance over scarcity
A powerful shift happens when we choose to live in abundance instead of focusing on scarcity. Abundance isn’t about having everything; it’s about appreciating what we already have while we pursue that which we desire. When we constantly dwell on what we lack, we blind ourselves to the gifts we possess.
- Creating new pathways for growth
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Living in abundance helps us to cultivate a positive mindset. We start to notice opportunities instead of obstacles and focus on solutions rather than problems. This perspective shift does not just improve our mood; it transforms the way we approach life’s challenges.
Be grateful for everything, even the small moments
Gratitude is a powerful tool for personal growth. It’s easy to be thankful for major accomplishments, but true change comes when we learn to appreciate the small moments. Waking up to a sunny morning, enjoying a warm meal or receiving a kind word from someone are all things we often overlook. Adopting the habit of gratitude will influence the way you act and react.
In the words of William Arthur Ward: “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy and change ordinary opportunities to blessings.” A simple habit of writing down three things you are grateful for each day can help to rewire your brain to focus on the positive.
Celebrate others’ success
It’s natural to compare ourselves to others, but jealousy and envy hold us back. Instead, we can choose to celebrate the success of those around us. Encouraging others not only strengthens relationships but also opens the door to learning from their experiences. Don’t fall victim to envy, rather emulate others.
By asking successful people for advice, we gain insights that can accelerate our own growth. Maya Angelou once said: “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” Sharing in others’ joy and asking for guidance create a cycle of mutual support and inspiration.
Pursue progress
It’s important to remember that progress is more important than perfection. So in whatever you do, make sure you’re moving forward. Small steps forward are still steps in the right direction. We don’t need to compare our journey to anyone else’s; what matters is that we keep moving. As Winston Churchill famously said: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
Sometimes, progress can come from pursuing simple, fulfilling hobbies. Hobbies don’t have to be expensive or elaborate to bring joy. Activities like reading, drawing, walking or gardening are accessible to most people and can help us to reconnect with ourselves. Free or low-cost hobbies allow us to find balance and peace in our lives, making space for creativity and mindfulness. Find healthy hobbies that replace doom scrolling.
Creating new pathways for growth starts with small changes. Instead of fighting old habits, we can form new ones. Focus on living in abundance, practising gratitude, celebrating others and pursuing progress, as they are all key steps on this journey. As we focus on what we have and what we can control, we unlock our potential to grow.
By choosing to appreciate small things, we discover that life’s beauty is often found in the simplest moments. When we support others and take small steps forward, we build a better future for ourselves and those around us. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.
- Rutendo Kureya is a medical student at Saint Petersburg State Paediatric Medical University, Russia. She is passionate about issues concerning the state and welfare of fellow Zimbabweans. She can be reached at [email protected]. Mobile: +7 996 274 98 66 Facebook: Rutendo Kureya. She writes here in her personal capacity.
