Summary of Habits Assignment

Throughout the semester, everybody in class was assigned the task of picking out a habit and during the course of the semester trying to break this habit. In my case, I chose to limit, then completely cut out my consumption of soda. Given that I want to become more physically fit, I chose this because I know the health detriments to soda and wanted to be able to try something that would allow for a positive, healthy, gain in my life. In saying this, the reasoning behind the elimination of soda from my diet was driven by personal desire to allow myself an opportunity to become more physically fit by cutting soda out of my diet.

As the semester progressed, I found it easier and easier to accomplish these goals. As of right now, I am ten pounds lighter then when I started the semester. However, in saying this, this task did not come without challenges. During a few of our breaks during the semester, I had to go back home where the only drink options are Soda, Milk, and spicket water. I fell back into old habits and consumed a reasonably large amount of soda while I was back home. I took it upon myself to make sure that did not happen again. While I was at school, I did not ever feel the urge to really drink soda because there are such a variety of choices at school. Overall, I would say it was fairly easy to obtain this goal once I got through the mental barrier of being at home and making good decisions while there.


Through this journey throughout the semester, I really wanted to take it upon myself to do this for me. I am a very stubborn individual at times, so I wanted to prove to myself that I could do this with little to no help. I do believe, however, if I would've allowed for help that it could not in anyway really be a detriment to the goals I was trying to reach. In fact, moving forward and sticking to this past gradaution, I believe it would be sensible to reach out to friends to make sure I am sticking to the physical goals I am setting for myself and deny me sodas even if I beg for them!


As I said before, I wanted to do this by myself to prove that I could keep myself from drinking soda. I learned that if I put my mind to something and truly dedicate myself to it, then I can accomplish those goals. Perhaps, it installed in me that a strong mind can defy whatever matter you are craving. Also, I learned that to get in the physical condition I am hoping for, it takes time, dedication, and committment. In saying this, I believe this whole assignment set a solid foundation in my pursuit of these goals. It gives me experience now to draw back on and hopefully it will aid me in the future.


While my 'addiction' falls in comparison to what we studied this semester, it does shed light on the process of 'recovery.' Learning about the specifics of addiction made me realize that if changing a simple habit, like drinking soda, is difficult I can only imagine how difficult it would be to change a chemical dependency, like cocaine. I believe in general terms, this experience is an eye-opening experience, one in which the person who is involved in it should get a small understanding of the grasp addiction can have on someone. From our readings and discussions in-class, I can see how strong an addiction can be. As we've learned throughout the semester, there are a variety of different addictions, but all of them rest on the person and the families involved to help them get through it.

After doing this mini-study, I think it has to be infinitely harder to deal with a real strong addiction like we've learned about throughout the semester. It gave me an appreciation of the struggle one has to go through to become sober again. I think in relation to the type of support/counseling needed for someone who is trying to change a behavior could be out-patient treatment. It should be enough to keep them on track of their behaviors and allow for them to set goals and constantly remind themselves of the goals at hand for a better life. I believe that habits/addictions can be overcome, but they are never truly 'broken' or 'cured.' You have to live with whatever issues you had before and to battle with it until your time is done. Our brains almost seemed to be wired to look back on the past, and sometimes it comes back and bites us. Some people are able to move forward and live happy, healthy lives. However, on the other end of the spectrum, some people are stuck looking back always wrapped up in their addiction. It's a constant battle between mind and matter, that is a lifetime struggle once you are first addicted.


Overall, I loved this assignment. Please keep it for future classes!!!


-Derek