I’ve been thinking a lot about the different ‘switches’ we have in our mind, but when I try to explain it to people they get confused. I’m going to do my best to articulate it here, but feel free to correct/add on in the comments.
There are a lot of things that I would just never do. I would never consider it. For example, I don’t think I’d ever mentally be in the position where I would think that I’d have to murder someone. I would never have to fight against that itch – it’s just a non-negotiable. I have other switches – there are many types of drugs and supplements that I would just never consider. I don’t think I’d ever consider moving to the North Pole. I probably have more switches ‘turned off’ then ‘turned on’.
There are other things I’m working on but I haven’t found the switch yet. I’ve been steadily losing weight over the past couple months (down 40 pounds from my heaviest and 30 pounds since January 1st, 2025) and I still really have to work at it. I have to log my calories, meal prep and plan, and constantly fight hunger pains. I’d love to eat more Pasta and Pizza but I’ve been stuck doing a modified-PSMF program and am frankly sick of eating so much Chicken Breast. I haven’t found the switch.
On the same end – one of the hats I wear in my spare time is I’m a professional musician. Practicing everyday is a slog to me – I have to force myself to do it, and to learn new things instead of just being comfortable with where I am.
In late 2023, I read a book called Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Drinking. I saw it recommended on a podcast, and I was planning on doing Dry January so I figured I’d read it. I’ve read other ‘Sober’ books in the past prior to doing Dry January to get me pumped up – This Naked Mind, Alcohol Explained, etc. This was different though. Starting Dry January 2024, I ended up going to the middle of March (which is unheard of for me – it would probably have been since high school since I went that long) and then did another 11 week stint in the Fall of 2024. Compared to times before, I found it really easy (no pun intended). The book (somehow) flicked the switch for me. I’m currently still doing Dry January 2025 (it’s now the end of the March) and have no inclination to start up again. The switch was flicked.
I have a friend who is trying to quit smoking. She always goes a couple of days and then fails. Life gets in the way, stressful nights, socializing with other smokers – the list of excuses go on. My theory is that she hasn’t found the switch in her brain yet – therefore she keeps trying to white knuckle it. I try to explain it to her but she looks at me like I have two heads.
I’m not sure if there is a process to find the switch, but I’ve started looking at things I’ve been doing with this particular lens. Is there a switch? How did I find it (or not find it).
Perhaps when we are trying to start something or stop something, our time is better spent looking internally for the switch. You’ll know it when you find it.
Leave a Reply