Friday, November 10, 1995
Getting in the habit
It is just as easy to get into a “good” habit as it is to get into a “bad” habit. That’s a little secret that successful people live by. In fact it is really just as easy to be successful as it is to be unsuccessful. It is just a matter of choice. You can spend your time doing the things that will bring you closer to your goals, or you can spend your time seeking immediate comfort and gratification.
People complain that “it’s too hard to exercise every day.” That’s nonsense. Exercise and movement are joyful, natural conditions that make us feel great. It’s not hard. It’s just that they’re in the habit of not exercising. Once they make the choice to exercise, it is no more difficult than sitting on the couch watching TV.
Success in anything can be summed up very concisely. It’s really quite simple. First, know what you want and know the reasons you want it. Second, determine exactly what you need to do to get it. Third, make a habit of doing those things that you need to do. That’s really all there is to it. It’s not complicated, and it is within the reach of anyone.
Oh, yes, you may think you need to have the right amount of self esteem, or the proper training, or the ideal environment, or support from your family, or any number of things. While all these things are fine, they’re not necessary. All that’s needed is the desire, the plan, and the action. If your desire is strong enough, you’ll find a way to get the things you need. If your plan is well-constructed, it will take you where you want to go, as long as you have the discipline to follow through on it.
Life is the result of choices. You are where you are because of the choices you have made in the past. Your future depends on the choices you make today. You can choose to have that extra beer, or you can choose to read another chapter in a good book. You can choose to act on an opportunity, or you can choose to sleep late. All these choices add up to your situation in life. And if you get in the habit of making the right choices, the choices that move you closer to your goals, then you’ll fulfill the enormous potential that is inside of you.
— Ralph Marston
The need for focus Creating Wealth
Copyright ©1995 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. All Rights Reserved. The Daily Motivator is provided for your personal, non-commercial use only. Other than personal sharing, please do not re-distribute without permission.