Today, let’s think about the patterns in our lives. The things we repeatedly do without even thinking about them because we’ve done them for so long – the same way. Are they working? Or are some a “lazy trap” like procrastination for example?
Here’s another way to look at it and something to try. Add some variety to your thinking.
Because I’m a designer, part of my job is to combine and recombine, and turn things upside down to look at them in a different way. I don’t fall in love with the first idea I have until I’ve explored others to see if it actually is the best fit. It never gets old to me! It’s like experimenting with different combinations until I feel the click. Many times, it’s a brave choice or surprising discovery that was the missing piece.
Now think about the messages you tell yourself. Let’s use writing as an example for this idea. A single word can change the impact of an entire story. Moving a sentence or paragraph to a different location can change the flow of understanding. What’s most important in your life story right now? What do you need to edit out?
These ideas can be useful to consider to improve the patterns of our lives.
Let’s make this personal. What could change for the better in your life if you took an honest look at your patterns and shook the cobwebs off a bit? What habits need to change? Where do you waste time? What do you put off? What if you didn’t?
When I look at the patterns in my own life, I can see how I accommodate and default to certain choices that are “lazy traps” like social media or delaying things I’d rather not do. Here’s just one example. When I’m working and waiting for a file to download or a client to get back to me, I go on autopilot and check my social media. What I think will be a minute or two, can easily become ten or more. Can you relate? I thought so! By then I’m so distracted that I’ve got to get my groove back about what I was doing. So I wrote a note to myself and put it on my computer that says “Don’t slip into socials. Do two things at once”. It’s a reminder not to get caught in a “lazy trap”. Instead of doing what I usually do while waiting – or get a snack – I can be creative and do something useful with that time. Maybe a couple of yoga stretches. Maybe organizing some paperwork. I can change waiting into something better instead of throwing time away or eating empty calories.
Here’s another example. My friend Diane used to use a timer as a reality check about the things she didn’t like to do. One of them was emptying the dishwasher. She’d work herself up about what a pain it was and then one day, she timed it. It took about seven minutes. That changed her whole attitude! It was just seven minutes. So she just did it instead of wasting even more time and energy avoiding it!
So does the Bible have anything to say about this topic? 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT) gives us both wisdom and truth about our chosen life patterns in just a few, powerful words:
“You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’ – but not everything is good for you. And even though ‘I am allowed to do anything,’ I must not become a slave to anything.”
Being a slave in this context means something that controls your actions. Like addiction. It isn’t just what typically comes to mind like alcohol, drugs, vaping and smoking, porn, sex, or gambling. It can also be food, shopping, social media, and binge-watching TV instead of truly living your best life. If it isn’t good for you, it needs to change. Excuses only rob us before we even know how good it can be on the other side. I know some of you reading this can testify that it’s worth it! I can!
I know I’ve got patterns to change in my own life and some cycles to break. Putting reminders around the house or other places you find yourself doing them is a good place to start. Let’s pray and ask God for His help to begin and keep cultivating patterns that will change our lives for the better!
RESET HIGHER: Draw a line down the center of a page and start a list today. On the left, list the patterns you want – and need – to change. On the right, list what you will do to make it happen. Be creative and think differently, focusing on the benefits and freedom you WILL have by sticking to promises you make to yourself. Start with one, work on it, then be motivated to do another one. We can do it!
