Balance, Not Asceticism

Today you’ll see lots of people giving up things for Lent; it can be a noble cause, regardless of your religious beliefs, and many cultures include a season of fasting or other asceticism. Putting hard limits on things has a way of clarifying our own minds.

But in the long run, six weeks of asceticism will not build long-term balance. Better to find a habit we can practice, with balance, forever. Most people are not strong enough to go utterly without something they like indefinitely–they will fall back into their old habits over time.

Find a balance: find a way to consume what brings you pleasure without letting it consume you (be it desserts, pizza, meat, Facebook, television).

That’s the ticket to creating a habit that will last beyond a six week challenge and will help you transform your life for good.