Building Habits in 21 Days, or Why Smoking is Bad for Freelancers
Search for this post’s title on Google, and you’ll see that what I once heard from a mentor is true: It takes 21 days to build or break a habit.
We’re almost done with our self-imposed holiday. But even before we all get back to work on January 2, I plan to start keeping a resolution tonight: for 2007, I resolve to stop smoking. We all know the health risks associated with lighting up (surgeon generals and governments all over the world have made sure of that), but I plan to quit tobacco because I’m also affected as a freelancer:
Cigarette Breaks Break Your Flow. When I feel the urge to smoke, I rush through the task I’m currently doing before taking a break. So that I can claim to myself that I’ve finished something before leaving the desk. But recently I realized that my dependency has created a need to interrupt my work. In other words, if I didn’t feel like smoking so often, I’d stay put and get more work done.
Working While Smoking Also Breaks Your Flow. When I’m “fortunate” enough to be able to smoke while working, taking my hand away from my keyboard to take a puff represents another interruption. Without having to “make the most” of a cigarette, I’ll be able to concentrate better on what I’m doing.
Again, Back to the Health Risks. My family has a history of cancer. While I’m young (I just turned 25), I want to squeeze every ounce of productivity out of my body. As I smoke, I’m raising by blood pressure and increasing my risk of cancer, two diseases that are robbing me of my youth.
So, wish me luck this 2007, and pray that I break the habit. Hopefully, when I get back to you on January 21, I’ll be as smoke-free as a drenched fire. Happy New Year to you all!
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Living as a Freelancer, Ways to Work Faster
8 opinions for Building Habits in 21 Days, or Why Smoking is Bad for Freelancers
Tris Hussey
Dec 31, 2006 at 12:52 pm
I wish you luck. I’ve tried a few times now with no success. Maybe 2007 will be the year.
Andrew Flusche
Dec 31, 2006 at 1:23 pm
Best of luck to you Rico! I actually just heard on the radio that it takes 7 tries on average to break a habit like smoking. I hope you can do it this year!
jun
Jan 1, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Am rooting for you Rico… Tip… Avoid the company of smokers as much as you can.. Spend more time with people who are sympathetic to your goal.
Rico
Jan 3, 2007 at 2:35 am
Tris: As they say, try and try until you die. :)
Andrew Flusche: Oh no, this is my fourth try… :lol:
jun: That sounds like a wonderful tip. ;)
Thank you all for wishing me luck! :D
The Parodist
Jan 8, 2007 at 5:59 am
Oh, noes. Does that mean you won’t be spending time with me no more? Even if I promise not to smoke too much when I’m with you? :(
Rico
Jan 8, 2007 at 6:01 am
The Parodist: Mysterious-sounding name aside Sasha, you should join me on my quest, we’ll become healthier together dear! :D
The Parodist
Jan 8, 2007 at 6:03 am
Sounds like a plan! LOL.
Avoiding Productivity-Limiting Injuries
Feb 8, 2008 at 9:37 am
[…] simply avoiding stupid and needless activities. It also extends to more holistic measures such as quitting smoking. Health is wealth after all, and a sick freelancer will have a harder time getting anything […]
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: