5/9/07: Changing One Moment at a Time

When we identify something we are doing that is no longer working for us, we often set about to change it. But when we catch ourselves doing the thing we wanted to change, we become disappointed. After a short while, we fall back into our old habits and patterns only to catch ourselves again months or years later.

Changing our patterns of thought and behavior is a moment to moment practice. In one moment, we may act differently, and then in another moment, we fall back into our old behavior.

Whatever you are working toward, whether it's being more patient, breaking a cycle, accepting others, etc., think of it as a moment to moment practice instead of an entire life change.

Just as you can't pick up a tennis racket, hit one ball and expect to be an instant tennis pro, you can't make one behavioral change and expect your entire life to be different without further practice, without further repetition of that behavior. Tennis players hit the ball one moment then miss the ball in another. They persist until they are hitting most balls thrown at them. Then they keep practicing.

Staying consistent with your new behavior, from moment to moment is the key to lasting change. Persist with your new behavior until you are hitting most balls thrown at you. Then keep practicing.