It Will Get Better

For the past three years, a book has sat on my book shelf. I picked this book up at that point with great intentions of reading it. The book sits amongst excellent company; other books I purchased with intentions to read. 

The book is titled The Power of Habit, and I started reading it yesterday. 

Our brains are a fascinating organ, with many discoveries of its function still emerging, but many insights into its many processes already developed. One of which being the function of habits. 

Habits are created with great purpose. It allows the brain the ability to operate in autopilot, a phrase I've used before, to carry forth tasks that are often repeated in our daily lives. The function of a habit, or autopilot, is beneficial because it allows other areas of the brain that process new information to not have to utilize/waste energy for repeated tasks. For instance, the next time you eat, eat with the opposite hand. You'll most likely sense your brain having to think through this activity, where it's an activity you've done your entire life and never given it a second thought when carried forth with your dominant hand. 

The problem with habits is they can form even when the habit causes us harm. 

I love self improvement, and positive behavior change. I've been educated as a pseudo counselor in behavior change. However, in reading this book I learned a new concept I had not recognized before. It is something I've utilized unknowingly in my recent positive changes in diet, weight loss, and this budget journey....

 I've held steady a belief that things will soon be better. 

I read blogs on finance. I like to learn new things. Most importantly, however, I like the community. Even if it's someone I will never have an actual conversation with. Even though I'll never likely meet these individuals, I know this about them - They're successfully achieving something I want myself, and they have a belief that in doing so, things will be better for themselves and those they influence.  

The brain is a funny organ. One that seems to thrive on belief. Beliefs can come packaged in many ways. I personally believe that most people share a common desire at their core. They want to be accepted by an individual or group, they ultimately want what's best for themselves and those around them, and they have the belief that things will be better when those two things are satisfied. 

Things will get better.