We human beings are remarkably inconsistent between stating what we want to do versus making it happen. We may be clear on the outcome, but it’s deceptively easy to fall short of the goal (new year resolutions are a good example). Despite good intentions we often veer in the opposite direction of where we want to end up—the phrase we can be our own worst enemy comes to mind.
Think of instances where you wanted to lose a few pounds, get in shape, be more organized or patient with others but fell far short of your goal. Sadly, we can’t always trust our intentions or instincts, and here’s why:
For every situation we want to change or improve there will be an equal amount of inertia or resistance. Consider:
The message we most need to hear is the one we will most resist.
When we most need to listen, we will be our most distracted.
When we most need criticism, we will be our most defensive.
When we most need to keep our mouth shut, we will be most likely to sound off.
When we most need to be flexible, we will be our most unyielding.
When we most need to be patient or cautious, we will be our most impetuous.
When we most need to take care of ourselves, we will be our most indulgent.
When we most need to be self-accepting, we will be our most vicious critic.
When we are most need of comfort or support, we are least likely to ask for it.
When we most need love, we will be our most unlovable.
We all have contradictions between thought and action. Create your own “opposites” list to keep yourself on course. Yes, you can prevail over The Law of Opposites with presence of mind, persistence and practice.
© C. Leslie Charles. All rights reserved. Excerpted, updated from my book Stick to it!