Madam Consistent: The Power and Paradox of Habits

 “Why are habits so important? They are, in essence, behavioral autopilot. They allow lots of good behaviors to happen without the Rider taking charge. Remember that the Rider’s self-control is exhaustible, so it’s a huge plus if some positive things can happen ‘free’ on autopilot.” ― Chip Heath, Switch




I love habits. Call me Madam Consistent. They free up my mind and create space for the lifestyle I want—the one I have intentionally shaped. Habits are the scaffolding of my days, the quiet rhythm that makes life feel steady.

But here’s the paradox: habits can liberate, and they can imprison. The question I ask myself often is—are my habits keeping me rooted, or are they keeping me stuck? Do they give me freedom, or do they make me resist change?

My habits are simple, yet powerful:

  • I go to the beach every week, to walk, to watch the sunrise, to spend time with, by, and          in the water.
  • I go to boxing during the week, a practice that combines exercise, novelty, and stress             management.
  • I eat fruits every morning, and once a week I go to the market to gather them.
These are the habits that anchor me. They are my autopilot, my foundation

But I also carry habits I want to release:

• Scrolling aimlessly.

• Eating chocolates as my mid-morning snack.

• Disappearing or isolating when life feels heavy.

Self-control and motivation fluctuate. That’s the truth of being human. But when something becomes a habit, you don’t have to negotiate with yourself—you just do it. Habits become lifestyle.

And yet, balance is everything. Habits should be the roots, not the chains. They should steady us, not suffocate us. They should remind us of who we are becoming, not trap us in who we were.

So I hold onto the habits that nourish me, and I gently let go of the ones that drain me. I remind myself that consistency is my quiet superpower, but flexibility is its companion.

Habits are not the end goal. They are the rhythm beneath the melody of life. And like any good rhythm, they need pauses, improvisations, and moments of silence.

Balance it all.

____________________________________________________________

Self-reflective question:
Which of my habits are truly rooting me in the life I want, and which are keeping me from growing into the life I imagine?


This January, the Rooted Series will be a space to explore exactly that—how to anchor ourselves in nourishing rhythms while staying open to change. It’s about cultivating habits that ground us, without binding us. If you’re ready to begin the year with balance, presence, and intention, join me in the Rooted journey.

Rooted: Where consistency meets transformation


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