Just This Once

Adhering to one's principles 100% of the time can be easier than allowing occasional exceptions. Adherence to a principle is easier after a one time exception than after occasional exceptions. Occasional exceptions indicate that what one says are one's principles are only principles one wishes to have and doesn't really have. Years ago I quit smoking and made a commitment to not smoke. After a year of no smoking, I gave in to smoking a cigar at a wedding just one time which resulted in my return to cigarette smoking. I then returned to not smoking, learned a lesson from my one exception, and haven 't smoked in 40 years. No smoking became easy over time and no exceptions helped that happen. Non smoking truly became my principle. What helps me commit to principles is to identify ones that I really want and that are good for me, and know that I can stay committed in the face of pressure. It's up to me.