This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
And guess what? We often have complete control of our environments.
Maybe you keep eating too many snacks and sugary foods because you continue to stock your pantry with these items.
If you aren’t aware, our environments are the primary influencers of our habits. We tend to engage in habits more than others based on our environments.
So who and what are you surrounded by?
Cultivate Your Environment To Help You Reach Your Goals
The first step to assisting yourself in developing a habit is to cultivate your environment to be conducive to your goals. Does your environment hurt or harm your progress?
If you’re trying to lose weight, you probably shouldn’t avoid meal prepping, and you probably should avoid packing your pantry with snacks, desserts, and less healthy foods.
If you’re struggling to get a project completed, you probably should put the phone away if it’s a continual distraction to you.
If you’re trying to be a happier and more positive person, you should probably stop chatting with downer Dave and downer Debbie so frequently, who have nothing positive to say ever.
If you’re trying to stay faithful to your partner, you should stop flirting and communicating with a particular person.
If you’re trying to exercise more, maybe you should: 1. Stop parking close to entrances. 2. Start working out during your lunchtime. 3. Start using commercial breaks as an opportunity to be active. 4. Stop turning on the TV immediately after work is done for the day.
Usually, the accomplishment of your goals is entirely within your control. The way to take the helms of your journey to the finish line is to control your environment as much as possible.
What If I Can’t Control My Surroundings?
I was chatting with a friend recently who told me they are unable to control their environment. Then, I told them that means you will have to learn how to control yourself in different environments, which is challenging but more than possible. You will have to be a level above everyone else since you have no control over who or what is surrounding you.
Vegas Example
Not everyone who goes to and lives in Vegas acts like a fool. There is something called self-control and self-discipline; you only have to implement it – easier said than done, though, or else we’d all be more self-disciplined.
Vegas offers you everything, but does that mean you need to engage and lose your sense of self-restraint? No. The choice is yours. Control yourself since your surroundings are uncontrollable.
Personal Development Roadmap
Step 1: Control your environment to help you better control yourself.
Step 2: Control yourself, so no matter your environment, you’re unaffected.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.