CHANGE BEGINS WITHIN YOU

A friend recently shared a compelling story with me about an encounter he had with a Kabaza (bicycle taxi) operator. This operator, often referred to by his peers as "Akachamba," opened up about his personal journey of overcoming a smoking addiction that had plagued him for seven years. He proudly shared how he had broken free from the chains of this addiction, which naturally piqued my friend's interest in learning more about his transformation.

The addiction had reached a point where the lines between hallucinations and reality were blurred, leading him to adopt a mindset bordering on insanity. This alarming realization was the catalyst for his desire to change. In his quest for liberation, he discovered solace in an unconventional substitute—drinking rice water whenever the urge to smoke arose. Today, he stands liberated from his addiction.

This narrative underscores a profound truth: change is an internal process that begins only when one truly recognizes the need for it. It's when we grow weary of our circumstances that we plant the seeds for genuine transformation, prompting us to seek new approaches to life. This may involve shedding detrimental habits or embracing new, positive ones.

James Clear eloquently addresses the mechanics of forming and breaking habits in his book, "Atomic Habits." He advocates for simplifying the process of abandoning bad habits by making them more challenging to maintain, while simultaneously making good habits more accessible. For instance, if television is your vice, disconnecting it and placing it out of easy reach introduces barriers that deter you from watching. Similarly, to curb the habit of reaching for your phone first thing in the morning, try leaving it in another room before going to bed, making it less tempting to stay in bed scrolling through your phone.

Incorporating good habits, like exercising, can be made effortless by setting incredibly attainable goals, such as committing to just one push-up a day. This strategy is so straightforward that skipping it seems unreasonable. By breaking down the habit into the simplest possible action, the goal becomes something you can easily achieve and, more importantly, repeat daily. As this habit becomes a part of your routine, you can gradually increase the intensity.

Change is an omnipresent force; its acceptance hinges on our acknowledgment that a shift is necessary. Only when we initiate this change from within can we truly transform our lives.