Factory Reset

The other day I was deleting the programs from an old mp3 player to give to a family member and I realized it was quite a pain.  After a few minutes I thought that there had to be an easier way.  I searched the settings and realized there was a factory reset option.  This would effectively delete everything and reset it to the day it left the factory.  

I wish there were a factory reset for many of our habits and systems in life.  We go through life accumulating tons of systems.  Some habits and systems are helpful such as learning to brush our teeth.  Some are harmful such as pulling in to a fast food restaurant every time I am hungry.  

The reason most people stay relatively the same in their mindset, socioeconomic status, weight etc. is because we have created systems and habits that rule our lives.  We don’t think about every move we make during the day.  Instead we just go along with what we “know.”  

When I first learned that I could actually adjust and control the systems and habits in my life, it was almost as though I was able to hit the factory reset.  I was able to change bad habits that were not taking me where I wanted to go in life.  I replaced them with productive habits.  I changed from relying on procrastination to being more proactive and focused.  I changed from eating unhealthy meals to healthy ones.  I even changed from having little exercise in my life to exercising every day.  

In order for us to actually change in life, we have to understand that many of the systems and habits that control our life can be adjusted.  We have the ability to create the processes and routines in our lives to become the person that we want to be.  While we can’t just hit factory reset and start over, I do feel that we can mentally decide to take control of these areas of life that most dismiss as uncontrollable, subconscious, or instinct.  

Don’t be fooled into thinking you can’t improve.  Instead take control of the systems in your life to create the life that you want!