Tuesday: Habits, Routines, and Rituals

I've been thinking a lot about change lately and have come to the conclusion that what really stands in the way of making a genuine change are the habits, routines, and rituals that people develop over time--the little things we do each day without even thinking about why, the often-strange, little things we cling passionately to if someone asks us to change.

Here are some examples:

• My grandpa has to have a martini every night at 4:30. He even travels with a martini-making kit to accommodate this habit.
• A friend always orders the same thing at McDonalds: two hamburgers with only ketchup and french fries. She then puts two french fries on each burger.
• My husband only likes to buy brand-name food--no generic or store brand for him.
  
• I take my shower in a certain order every morning: wash and condition hair, wash face, shave, and wash.
• I have an entire ritual related to grocery shopping: make menu for the week, make categorized list for the store, clean out refrigerator, shop, put food away (freezer, then fridge, then pantry).

What small and quirky habits, routines, and rituals have you developed over time?

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