What's the Purpose?
Aug. 2, 2020“We never repeat any behavior which isn’t serving some function or purpose”
- The Inner Game of Tennis (p. 72), by Timothy Gallwey
For every habit we'd like to shed, there's usually a little bit of confusion.
- When I hit a really errant shot, I tend to beat myself up, and it takes me a few points to get my head back in the game. I wish I moved on more easily.
- I don't know why I stay up so late sometimes. When I do, I'm not sharp the next morning.
- I'd like to check my phone less often, but it's hard to ignore.
- When I hang out with Tony, we bring each other down, and I feel cynical afterward. But I keep doing it. It puzzles me.
It's strange, right? Why would we repeat a behavior that's not satisfying?
Chances are, we're getting something from the habit. And if we can get a little clearer about what it is, that's a starting point to find it from another source, or to get clear that it's not something we need at all.
