In marketing, branding, business, and everything we do, I think this poem by an unknown author rings true.
Habit
I am your constant companion.
I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden.
I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.
I am completely at your command.
Half of the things you do you might as well turn over to me, and I will do them – quickly and correctly.
I am easily managed; you must be firm with me.
Show me exactly how you want something done, and after a few lessons I will do it automatically.
I am the servant of all great men,
And, alas, of all failures as well.
Those who are great, I have made great.
Those who are failures, I have made failures.
I am not a machine, though
I work with the precision of a machine
Plus the intelligence of a person.
You may run me for profit or run me for ruin;
it makes no difference to me.
Take me, train me, be firm with me, and
I will place the world at your feet.
Be easy with me and I will destroy you.
Who am I?
I am HABIT!