Imagine making the bold decision to change your ways. You’re pumped, determined, ready to shed old habits. But just when you’re getting into the groove, life throws obstacles in your path. Familiar routines, tempting old habits, and the magnetic pull of what you’ve always done—all seem to pop up, uninvited. It’s as if the universe has you on speed dial for cosmic roadblocks.

The truth? The universe isn’t out to get you. What’s happening is that your brain is following well-worn pathways—the familiar routes you’ve built over time. Think of it like an old dirt road that’s been driven over so many times, it practically knows the way on its own. It’s easy to take, it’s comfortable, and it’s what your brain defaults to. So, creating new patterns? That’s like carving out a fresh trail in a dense forest. It takes time, patience, and consistency.

Now, let’s talk about Lisa’s story, a real example of how challenging (but possible!) it is to forge a new path. After a tough period of addiction, Lisa decided to turn her life around. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she underestimated just how strong the pull of her old habits would be. Every step forward seemed to come with two steps back. The routines she’d established during her struggle were like deep ruts in her mind, and even small triggers seemed to lure her back to them.

But Lisa didn’t quit. She joined a support group, found a mentor, and committed to daily practices that helped her build new mental pathways. It wasn’t glamorous or quick, but day by day, those new paths became clearer. Yes, she still faced setbacks, but each one became less jarring as the new roads in her brain began to take hold. Lisa’s journey is a powerful reminder that change isn’t about snapping your fingers; it’s about steady work, resilience, and faith.

So, keep going. Every time you reinforce that new path, it becomes a bit stronger and easier to follow. You’re not failing when you hit a rough patch, you’re building a new way forward.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” (Zechariah 4:10, CSB).