“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.” —Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Many habits, good or bad, result from modeling others. Children mimic parents, and behaviors (especially the bad ones!) are deeply imprinted in the psyche. This can also mean that children learn habits, good or bad, by mimicking their parents. Teens, in particular, are vulnerable to following the mentality of others, often tacitly following a “monkey see, monkey do” pattern, succumbing to the influence and habits of peers.
Grown-ups as well can be victims of this mentality, eschewing critical thinking and conforming to the herd.
I’m reminded of a parable about a young newlywed wife who was preparing her first Thanksgiving turkey. Her new husband watched in disbelief as she whacked off half of the turkey before placing it in the pan to roast. He questioned this, and she simply stated that that is how her mother always prepared a turkey. This prompted a call to that mother, who stated that she, too, had learned this from her own mother and so on. They never questioned why; simply modeled the same behavior. The great-grandmother finally solved the mystery when she laughingly related that she prepared her turkey that way because her pan was simply too small to accommodate the whole bird!
If you are interested in learning more about how habits are created and can be broken through behavioral modifications, as well as many other topics, register to attend the upcoming virtual workshop: “Ignite Your Impact Summit,” on August 8th and 9th from 10 AM to 4 PM EST. 20 featured presenters will offer lots of gifts on a number of helpful self-improvement topics. I am honored to present a segment on August 9th at noon PDT (3 PM EST) discussing consciously creating habits vs. unconsciously following others through conscious choice and behavioral modifications. Click on this link to register: https://www.theexitschool.com/iyis-drnancyi (opens in a new tab or window)
Habits & Hypnotherapy
I offer a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation to answer any of your questions on how hypnotherapy can help you change habits. Contact me here.
“When the herd is all running toward a cliff, the one running in the opposite direction seems crazy.” – Anonymous
