Repetition wins…
“Any idea, plan, or purpose may be placed in the mind with repetition of thought.” - Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich)
Picture young Eddie as a kid practicing karate, gymnastics, and every other sport offered by the local recreation center. Although I did a lot of different things at that time, I eventually found those that worked best for me, the ones that brought enjoyment. And now at this point in my life, I’ve come to realize what each of those activities had in common, and more importantly, what they taught me about finding success in life.
Each activity I did met an underlying need - improvement of my mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. They each also heavily emphasized repetition. We did the same drills, warm-ups, and basic things so often that I could and would do them without thinking. They became second-nature.
Even to this day when I am losing my balance I squeeze my butt, look just above the horizon, and inhale until I have regained my footing - thanks gymnastics.
Like it or not, repetition is a key to our success.
Let me be clear, repetition of good and positive habits, are key to our success. How? When something works to bring value to your life, and improves your perspective, repeatedly doing that thing until it is part of you makes living out those principles easier.
Those who do not invest in their personal development repeat the same harmful behaviors that lead to disappointment. For example, in dating, do you tend to attract the same type of people? If so, then how likely is it the fault of other person(s)? Or is it more likely that you are repeating behaviors and decisions that bring those people to you?
Maybe you’ve taken the steps to improve yourself personally, professionally, and in relationships through reading and briefly doing things differently. That is to be applauded, softly. Why not applaud with boisterous enthusiasm, because the word worth noting was “briefly”. If you give up before it takes place and hold in your mind, or because you’re not seeing immediate results, then you will continue to get what you have always received.
Development, growth, and progress come with repetition. If you want the best out of life, identify the principles and habits that can help you get more out of yourself, and repeat those behaviors consistently.