79. Insignificant temptation. The only way to change your habits.

I have a mentor that is a recovering alcoholic. Although his path to sobriety was complex and non-linear, he summed up his journey in one eloquent quote.

“There is no such thing as virtue. Just insignificant temptation.”

I just finished James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits. After doing a deep dive into the research, his overall read on the most impactful ways for overcoming bad habits aligns with my mentor’s favorite mantra.

We are a product of our environment. When we fail to obtain our goals, it has little to do with you as a person - your virtue, willpower, or grit. Instead, it has more to do with the situations and surroundings in which you operate.

Drink too much? You might need new friends. Can’t resist the urge to snack? Get it out of your house. Staying up too late scrolling social media? Keep your phone out of your bedroom.

If you’re struggling to change your behavior, start by changing your environment.