Reflections About Habits

Over the past five years, I have learned a lot about acquiring habits. It all started when I decided to take a one-hour walk every day. My goal was to improve my health and fitness, and I believed that walking was a simple and doable task. I began my journey with relatively slow rounds, managing to complete about 3 km within an hour. But despite the slow start, I quickly noticed some positive changes. The armchair that used to be a struggle to get out of was no longer a challenge; my heart rate improved, I lost weight, and I gained muscle.

As time went on, the experiment became a habit, and the habit became a necessity. I found myself feeling uncomfortable when I had to skip my daily walk. The Responsibility Process helped me to reflect on my new habit and understand that by catching myself sooner, I could maintain my habit. This is what many people would consider a "good" habit.

Last year, I rediscovered my love for online gaming, particularly with my new PlayStation 5. I found myself spending every free moment on Grand Theft Auto Online, building my virtual "criminal" empire. However, I soon realized that my gaming habit was becoming a priority over my daily walks and even my work. The pastime had become a habit, a "necessity," almost an addiction.

After another night spent on my recliner, playing until I fell asleep, I decided to change. I remembered the Responsibility Process and used it to sort out my thoughts. I had bought a walking desk, a stand-up desk with a treadmill, at the beginning of the pandemic. I was afraid I would not be able to have my daily walks during a lockdown. So, I modified my walking and gaming habits. I moved my PlayStation to my treadmill desk and set my mind to playing as much as possible, as long as I was using the treadmill simultaneously.

I formed a new habit, and I still intend to get back to my daily one-hour walks. I have reduced my online gaming time, but my gaming experience has improved. The walking desk has helped me to focus on the game and improve my proficiency.

I never intended to create a virtual "criminal" empire, but as Johanna Rothman said in her excellent book, "Writing requires action." This article is my first shot at creating a new writing habit. I am starting with the experiment, trying out variations, repeating daily, and seeing where it takes me.

The picture above shows the beautiful shrine in Hamarikyu Gardens, Tokyo. A shrine is a place for reflection and reverence, and it serves as a good symbol for my own reflections.