Seize the very first possible opportunity to act on every resolution you make, and on every emotional prompting you may experience in the direction of the habits you aspire to gain. It is not in the moment of their forming, but in the moment of their producing motor effects, that resolves and aspirations communicate the new 'set' to the brain. (p.35) By neglecting the necessary concrete labor, by sparing ourselves the little daily tax, we are positively digging the graves of our higher possibilities. (p. 36)
James contention of our perception of habits has been enlightening. He makes a very convincing case for teachers to actively engage in habits that will benefit our moral character as well as our students. It is not enough to have good intentions, we must implement our intentions in order to be affective. We are limited in our scope of life when we do not act upon our intentions. What are the implications for not implementing the new habits? James encourages us not to delay the actions, which can and often becomes procrastination, and ultimately stagnation. A little investment daily is all that is required. We cannot afford the lack of discipline necessary to implement these habits. We have failed each other for so long.
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