Finding Healing As A Small Business Owner After Addiction
We’re all creatures of habit. Whether it’s how we start our mornings, the route we take to work, or even how we wind down at night, habits shape our daily lives. But here’s the thing: not all habits are created equal. Some can propel us forward, while others can drag us down, especially for someone struggling with addiction.
Let’s get real for a minute. We often hear that it takes 21 days to form a new habit, but we don’t always talk about how powerful—and sometimes dangerous—those habits can become. A good habit, like hitting the gym every morning, can set the tone for a productive, energized day. But a bad habit, like reaching for a drink every time life gets stressful, can quickly spiral into something more destructive.
For someone facing addiction, habits are like the roots of a tree. The deeper they go, the harder they are to pull out. And when those roots are tangled up in unhealthy routines, breaking free can feel impossible. But here’s the silver lining: just as bad habits can be formed; they can also be damaged. It’s all about awareness and action.
Take a moment to think about your habits. Are they serving you, or are they holding you back? Do they align with the person you want to be? For an addict, the stakes are even higher. A seemingly harmless habit can be the first step down a dark path. That’s why it’s so important to recognize our habits and choose them consciously.
Breaking a bad habit isn’t just about willpower—it’s about understanding the “why” behind it. What triggers it? What’s the reward? And most importantly, what can you replace it with? Positive habits, like mindfulness or physical activity, can help fill the void that a bad habit leaves behind.
But let’s be clear: change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process, and it takes time. The key is consistency. Small, intentional actions repeated day after day can lead to significant transformations. And for someone struggling with addiction, those small changes can be the difference between staying stuck and moving forward.
So, ask yourself: are your habits helping you become the best version of yourself, or are they keeping you stuck in a cycle you want to break? If the answer isn’t what you’d like it to be, know that you have the power to change it. It’s never too late to start planting the seeds for healthier, more empowering habits.
Remember, we are creatures of habit—but we get to choose what those habits are. Make sure yours is leading you in the right direction.