The comfort zone.

Have you ever tried to make a change in your life, worked on it hard for a while, and then before you realized it... you were right back where you started? Engaging in the same behaviors that you did before you committed to yourself that you would not go back? I've seen it happen before -- professionally and personally -- and it sucks. It's truly incredible how we can have to much gusto for making a change in our behaviors, only to see ourselves fall off the proverbial wagon.

I submit we go back to old ways because we desire for our comfort zone.

Making changes takes effort.
Making changes requires dedication.
Making changes takes courage.

Our comfort zone is familiar.
Our comfort zone is, well, comfortable.

The thing is though... our comfort zone leads to complacency, and complacency kills. Complacency keep us stuck in that cycle of self-abuse, in that pattern of negativity and belief that we can't be better than who we are right now. It zaps motivation. It sucks our will for improvement.

In order to fight complacency, don't get lazy with your changes. Don't allow yourself to get bored in new relationships, which makes you want to jump ship and move on. Don't allow yourself to skip a day walking the track. Don't give in to saying yes to one person when you really need to be saying no and be assertive. As soon as you provide an opportunity for your comfort zone to weasel itself back in your life, it's going to get comfy and it's going to be even more difficult to get back on track.

There's a saying in Alcoholics Anonymous that says, "one is too many and a million's not enough". I think it applies to any situation where we have a tendency to indulge. Just don't do it. Don't give in. Stand up for yourself and the new you that you are forming.