Letting Go of Habits That No Longer Fit

Hello, Last week, we talked about adding small habits. About how to build something new, gently and consistently.

Today, I want to offer a look at the other side. Not what to add… but what might be time to release.

Because if we are honest for a moment, Not every habit we adopt really serves us. Some of them simply… slipped in.

Without noticing, they became part of our day, And sometimes, instead of supporting us, they no longer fit who we are today. And maybe they even hold us back a little.

A bit of theory... Again, I want to return to an idea from the book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. If a habit is built through trigger → action → reward, Then, many times, we are not really choosing the habit. We are simply responding to a fixed trigger.

And it happens so smoothly… that we do not even notice. The good news? The moment we bring awareness, choice begins.

A small personal story, and yes, a bit embarrassing ;-) About a month ago, I noticed something interesting.

Without meaning to, I developed a small habit. Every Tuesday, after a workday, on my way to a train ride, I found myself automatically entering the AH convenience store at Amsterdam Central Station, and buying a cappuccino and a croissant… every Tuesday, at 20:15.

The idea was simple: " a small moment of indulgence at the end of the day."

And I truly believe in that. It is important for me not to be too strict with myself, and to allow myself to "cheat" once in a while.

But then I paused for a moment and thought: coffee? croissant? At a quarter past eight in the evening?

From the body’s point of view and also from how I see myself It simply… does not fit.

And that is exactly the point. It is not about a "bad" habit, But about a habit that is no longer accurate for me.

And the most interesting part? Just noticing it has already started to change something.

Tip of the week – notice before you fix This week, I invite you not to try to change anything. Just notice.

Choose one small habit in your day and ask yourself: "How did this get here?" "What do I really get from it?"

You can even ask: Is this a treat… or an automatic response? Does this really fit who I am today?

This awareness is not only the first step It is already half the way.

How do we actually change these habits, without fighting? Here are a few practical directions, inspired by "Atomic Habits":

Replace - do not erase. Instead of "do not buy coffee and croissant." ask: what can I choose instead? Maybe tea, maybe something lighter, maybe a different kind of rest.

Change the trigger If the trigger is "passing by AH." You can change your route a little or add a different action at that moment.

Make the better choice easier. If there is an available, simple, and pleasant option, it becomes much easier to choose it.

Do not aim for perfection Even if it happens again, it is part of the process. Habits do not disappear in a day, We soften them… until they slowly loosen their grip.

A small practice for this week... Choose one habit that feels no longer right for you. You do not have to stop it.

Just try once this week to do it differently.

A little less. A little different. A little more awareness.

And see what happens.

A few words from the heart… We talk a lot about building, but letting go is also part of the path.

Not everything that walked with us until today needs to continue with us.

And sometimes, gently letting something go creates space for something new and more aligned.

And if you notice such a habit… it does not mean something is "wrong" with you. It only means you are in movement.

And as always, I am here. If you feel like sharing or reaching out.

Wishing you a week with a little more awareness, and a little less automatic behavior.

With love, Zohar