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We are so full of contradictions. Lately I have found myself getting into a pattern of eating too much food that is not only not good for me but it makes me feel crappy! As I do this there is another part of me that knows better.

I am sure you know what I mean in one form or another. We are so inspired to do the right thing in our lives, but then often our behavior does the opposite!

This is one of the most frustrating things about being a human on planet earth!

Why do we do this? What is it in us that causes contradictory behaviors?

Look around you. The whole world is made up of opposites; dark/light, hot/cold, wet/dry, winter/summer, happy/sad and wealth/poverty. Our entire world is made up of relative contrasts. Here is another truth about these opposites: they are constantly changing into each other. Winter becomes spring and then summer. A beautiful sunny day can quickly become an angry windy thunderstorm. You and I are cut from the cloth of this world. This world of polar opposites permeates our whole being. We are on top of the world one moment and then the phone rings. Oh No! Bad new and suddenly your happiness decends to worry and fear. Some days you feel like being alone and others you relish connecting with some of your best friends.

When you engage in behaviors that you don’t like after you thought you had a positive routine going, it’s these intangible forces of yin/yang coupled with the law of constant change at work.

Each of us follows specific patterns in our lives. Some of these are conscious but most are unconscious. These patterns can be as mundane as how we brush our teeth and towel off after the shower all the way to our feelings and beliefs about anything in our world.

These patterns serve us in many ways. For example, once you learn to drive a stick shift car it becomes second nature. Initially, you must focus all of your attention on it and later you can talk, eat and drive all at once!

These habits can also harm us. For example, making a commitment to exercising every day. Motivation is strong in the beginning and for 2 weeks everything is going well. Suddenly the force of change takes hold and the new routine that was gaining momentum seems to be gone. Polarity has shifted and staying home watching t.v. is irresistable.

What can you do?

Here’s what not to do…. Don’t beat yourself up. Recognize since we are all a part of this world of constant change from one opposite to another. This happens to all who endeavor to create new life for ourselves.

Instead, be aware that change takes an upfront firm decision and then continuing to re-choose each time you are tempted by opposite forces – “wouldn’t it be nice to watch t.v. now?” You may have to make the choice 1 or 100 times per day. Sometimes you may make the wrong choice. Remember you are a human full of contrasts. This does not mean you are doomed. Let is go, now is a new moment and you can make a new choice.

Each time you make a choice you add momentum to that choice. If you have made a choice to break a habit pattern of complaining you may be faced with the urge to complain 50 times per day. What if you complained 20 times and refrained 30 times? Since you have chosen not to complain more you are building strength within you to become a non-complainer. Keep it up and be easy on yourself for the times you have complained this will change!

Each of us has 2 metaphorical dogs within us. The white one is the dog of all healthy positive choices and behaviors. The black one is the one that tempts us to go back to old behaviors that makes us unhealthy and unhappy. Which dog will be the stronger one? The one you feed and pay more attention to!