Augustine wrote,
"I was bound by the iron chain of my own will. I was rather an unwilling sufferer than a willing actor. And yet it was through me that habit had become an armed enemy against me, because I had willingly come to be what I unwillingly found myself to be."
In a day when personal responsibility is lacking, this quote reminds us of an undeniable truth, i.e., you are the sum total of your habits. Habits either elevate you to the next level of achievement or they shackle you to your not so productive past. They prod you to continue on despite the obstacles, or they allow you to make excuses for failing to excel.
Have your habits become an "armed enemy" against you? Are you willingly becoming what you unwillingly find yourself to be? Are your habits an "iron chain" binding you to an attitude that obviates change and progress?
Augustine did not allow the iron chain of this armed enemy to keep him from his high calling. As a theologian he went on to record a marvelous compendium of religious writings that have served the church since the fourth and fifth centuries. Augustine found freedom in Jesus Christ and the principles he declared. As a result his habits became his best friends instead of his enemies. The chain of bondage was released and he was free to willingly become what Christ had chosen him to be.
What habits are helping or defeating you? Are you willing to change those habits into productive friends that enable rather than disable advancement? Your lack of progress and change cannot be blamed on others if your habits are not designed to implement such.
Seek those habits that will help you get to where you want to be. Make them a part of every day. Don't compromise their fulfillment for any reason.
Stay tuned for some additional thoughts and suggestions for difference making habits.
Always make a difference!
