Unlearning old rules

We all live our lives according to various rules we’ve programmed into our routines. Most of the time, these rules help us. But sometimes circumstances change, and a rule starts doing more harm than good. When this happens, it’s time to unlearn it.

The trickier rules to unlearn are the ones we implemented to protect ourselves in dangerous situations. When the danger evaporates, these rules stick around and hold us back. Letting go of them is like riding a bicycle without training wheels for the first time. It’s scary.

For example, I’ve started to pay closer attention to my diet. Right now, I’m not so worried about what I’m eating. I’m more focused on how much I’m eating.

One mental roadblock I’m running into is the “don’t waste your food” rule which is part of my eating routine. I’m having a tough time leaving edible food on my plate and disposing of it. So I’m eating more than I should.

If food were scarce and my family was struggling, the “don’t waste” rule might be worth keeping around. But in my current environment, it’s holding me back. It’s preventing me from developing healthier eating habits.

Time to unlearn the rule.