The most effective form of change is when we replace good habits with undesirable habits. When in university I complimented a colleague, who impressed upon me her glowing attitude. She reminded me that when she felt a negative urge she quickly “pushed it out of her mind with a positive thought.”
Wrote James Allen, “A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.”
The person we long to be is motivated by good thoughts, which are expressed in good works, and continued by an inner amity and determination of doing the right things.
Not one of us is born with unchangeable habits. We are not accidents who waited to enter this life and leave it without the opportunity of choosing which direction in this life we will follow. And which attributes we will caricature.
A thought precedes every action.
Every day at home or office our true self is reflected in the habits we cultivate when no one else is looking. Good habits are not acquired simply by making good resolves, though the thought must precede the action.
Contrary to popular beliefs it isn’t in times of turmoil that our character is developed. That is precisely when they are displayed. Those habits or attributes directing our lives that make us, are the result of the ordinary events of life. It is practice good or bad that forms them.
About Lucy Kovalova-Woods
Lucy Kovalova-Woods is vice-president of Woods Kovalova Group. She attended Liverpool University for engineering. Lucy is the author of three books. Her podcasts on women’s leadership is heard globally. Her clients range from education, start ups and corporations where she provides advice on leadership, personal performance, marketing and strategy. Learn more about Lucy here.