The habit you need

We all have habits that we have worked long and hard to acquire, whether consciously or 'accidentally'.  Some habits we can be proud of, such as exercise, clean language, charitable service, and saving money.  Other habits we would much rather destroy and avoid, such as poor eating habits, poor financial habits, unhealthy addictions (food, drinks, drugs, sex, internet, etc..) and poor work ethics/habits.  Have you ever considered the habit of optimism, the habit of success, or the habit of positive change?  These things really can, and definitely should be habits.
I have a great friend who years ago was very overweight and had little hope of ever changing.  In his mind, his weight and size were just who he was and that is the way it would be.  He couldn't (in his mind) work out or run because his physical condition did not permit him to.  He was prone to act and feel depressed by who he was and the limitations that the extra weight and bulk were causing him.  But as time went on, he began to see that losing some weight might have some benefits.  He might be able to enjoy the outdoors more, decrease pain in his knees and back, and gain confidence in all social and work settings. Those small beginnings of hope in who he could become began to manifest themselves in the food he ate, the activities he participated in, and confidence he had in himself.  As he began to lose weight, his hope and desire increased, and he began to see himself more and more as a fit and healthy individual. Over the course of one year, he became very fit, losing over 50 pounds and gaining great muscle tone.  Those habits and changes set in and became who he is and who he could continue to become.  The self confidence gained though those changes and successes took root in all areas of his life.  Today, almost 15 years later, he is a successful, fit, and healthy body builder, husband, father, and police officer.  He runs, works out, and coaches others in fitness and body building.  What a great example of habits, and the habits of optimism, success, and positive change.
Habits are very powerful.  And the habit of seeing yourself as who you can and want to be, is habit that we should all work to obtain and maintain.
Proverbs 23:7   For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.  
How do you see yourself?  Who will you become in the next year? Who will you be in 5 and 10 years?  Choose your habits wisely.