Do you have a bad habit that affects everyday life?
Most of my bad habits are related to my self-esteem. My biggest bad habit that most affect my life and the lives around me would be the way I over think the way people say things around me. A simple comment leads into me wondering why it was said, did they mean it that way, or did they really mean something else. And really most of it lies in something someone wise once told me a long time back. Inside every comment, no matter how innocently said, lies a grain of truth.
How would life change if you overcame that habit?
I would imagine that I would be more relaxed about life as would those around me. But I also believe that over thinking comments is what makes me a better writer. If I can think of all the what ifs in life, then it should be able to color my stories more.
What steps would you need to take?
I believe it would take lots of time and treating myself like one of Pavlov’s dogs. When dealing with one’s psyche this way so much is ingrained that changes cannot be made by just deciding suddenly to not do so.
What would make you finally decide to change?
Frankly, someone other than myself would have to be hurt by it. I feel too much like I’m maintaining status quo that upsetting the balance, would affect too much other stuff.
Does your main character need to overcome a bad habit?
All this talk of bad habits has made me realize that she doesn’t have one. Perhaps she’s a little too perfect. Maybe she needs a bad habit to make her more believable. She needs something that will make the readers hurt for her and cheer her on to get over.
At least this exercise has given me something to work on.
This blog post curtsey of The Writer Magazine November/December issue Writing Prompt
Lady J's Library - The Desk of Julia Dina Blackowicz 