In this article, I explore a tricky dilemma: How can we deviate from a positive habit without derailing it entirely? Sometimes we feel the need to break a routine—perhaps to seize a fleeting opportunity or to celebrate a special moment.
One excellent strategy for navigating this situation is the concept of a “planned exception.” This method safeguards us against impulsive choices. As adults, we create our own guidelines, and by intentionally planning an exception to a habit, we take charge of our decisions.
When we set a planned exception, we feel empowered. We’re not haphazardly abandoning a good habit or scrambling to rationalize our choices at the last minute. Taking control of our actions boosts our happiness.
The best exceptions are those that are limited or have a clear endpoint. A friend of mine shared how he skillfully applied a planned exception to his usual low-carb diet during a trip.
Many individuals think, “I’m on holiday, I should indulge, I deserve this, I can’t resist these desserts, you only live once!” and they throw their healthy eating habits out the window. My friend, however, aimed to enjoy himself while still maintaining some boundaries.
“While I was in a cozy cabin in Montana, I dined at a restaurant renowned for its pies,” he recounted. “People traveled from afar for these pies. Before heading to Montana, I established my pie policy.”
His pie policy? One slice with every meal. I was impressed by the thoughtful approach he took.
- “If I’m in Montana, I will eat this way.” This type of “if-then” planning is powerful; by deciding in advance how to behave, we simplify our choices when the moment arrives. Plus, an exception limited to Montana is self-regulating. My friend adores pie, but he wouldn’t make a special journey just for a slice.
- “I get one slice with every meal, but only one slice.” Yes, he indulged in pie even at breakfast (think pumpkin-tofu or peach pie), but restricted himself to a single slice. Bright-line rules—clear and straightforward guidelines—help eliminate the need for interpretation.
- “I didn’t take pie back to the cabin; I could only enjoy it at the restaurant.” In the past, he sometimes skipped the pie during a meal, then took one (or two) back to munch on later. This kind of behavior makes monitoring difficult, yet keeping track is essential for success. One slice per meal = straightforward math. The Strategy of Monitoring is crucial; we tend to perform better when we keep ourselves accountable.
- “I broke my low-carb rule for pie—but only pie.” After a few days, he started to think, “A scoop of ice cream would be nice, and there’s a great place nearby.” However, he recognized his tendencies and knew that if he allowed himself ice cream, he might soon be indulging in bread and pasta as well. So he stuck to pie—just pie.
- “I realized I’d enjoy my vacation more with pie.” It’s vital for good habits not to let ourselves feel deprived. Feelings of deprivation often lead to thoughts like “I deserve this” or “I need this,” prompting unhealthy indulgences. By allowing himself this treat, my friend avoided the “life isn’t fair” mindset, enabling him to savor a delightful part of his vacation.
It’s worth noting that my friend is an Abstainer, and this strategy worked well for him. Many Abstainers find they thrive when they commit to abstention, occasionally indulging but mostly sticking to their principles. In contrast, I consider myself a complete Abstainer—believe me, you wouldn’t guess what I’m abstaining from these days! But I’ve come to understand that I’m a rather extreme personality, which was a surprise to me more than anyone else.
One of the Secrets of Adulthood for Habits is this: sometimes, to keep moving forward, we must allow ourselves to pause.
For more insights on home insemination, check out our post on the Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo. If you’re looking for a comprehensive resource on pregnancy, Cleveland Clinic’s IVF and Fertility Preservation is an excellent choice. Also, consider the authority on the topic, At-Home Insemination Kit 18pc.
In summary, making planned exceptions to good habits can help us navigate special occasions without losing sight of our goals. By setting clear limits and monitoring ourselves, we can still enjoy life’s pleasures while maintaining our positive habits.
Keyphrase: planned exceptions to good habits
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]