I’m not sure who wrote the following poem … I’ve been attempting to track its origins and author but with no success. All the same, I think it’s very well written and worth remembering, after all, ‘habit’ is something that can make or break your success in small business and, in fact, in all areas of your life.
The Habit Poem
I am your constant companion.
I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden.
I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.
I am completely at your command.
Half of the things you do you might as well turn
over to me and I will do them – quickly and correctly.
I am easily managed – you must be firm with me.
Show me exactly how you want something done
and after a few lessons, I will do it automatically.
I am the servant of great people,
and alas, of all failures as well.
Those who are great, I have made great.
Those who are failures, I have made failures.
I am not a machine though
I work with the precision of a machine
plus the intelligence of a person.
You may run me for profit or run me for ruin –
it makes no difference to me.
Take me, train me, be firm with me, and
I will place the world at your feet.
Be easy with me and I will destroy you.
Who am I? I am Habit.
After reading that poem, take 5 minutes to think about your habits … which ones are pushing you onwards? And which ones are dragging you down? Most importantly, what are you going to do about it?
