2.  I RECOGNIZED that I live a reality that is based on old decisions, which compel me to be who I am not. These decisions were based on mistaken conclusions I reached in early childhood – about myself, others, and life in general. They continued to influence my psyche and create a character I do not like. For example: as a child it was hinted to me that though I was ugly, at least I was smart. So, to please my parents, I tried to show them how smart I was. For me being smart meant I would receive more love. This habit of showing how smart I am continued for most of my life, so I could impress people and be accepted by them.  
3.  I DECIDED to make new decisions, that will reflect who I want to be. For example: I decided to stop trying to please and impress others. But the change did not come quickly. Most of the time I failed to live by my new decisions.
4.  I DISCOVERED that I still live by old habits and feared that the change would not come. My situation seemed worse than what I thought. I noticed that most of my time was spent living habits I did not like, which caused me stress. 
5.  EVENTUALLY I REALIZED that the change actually began as soon as I made my new decisions. It was because of my new decisions that I became aware of how dire my situation was. This was a good thing because it made me even more determined to make the change. I understood that my failure was not only part of the process of change, it was a necessary part of learning how I could succeed. 
6. THEN I AGREED that the change will continue only if I accept my failures. Whenever I failed, I corrected myself by adopting the attitude of compassion and patience, then continue to adhere to my new decisions. Decisions are very powerful, even if made by a child. Decisions always come true, even when I don’t remember them, they continue to create my reality. So, whenever I face difficulty implementing my new decisions, I ask myself what mistaken beliefs are holding me back. For example: when I made my decision never to lie again, I was surprised to find myself lying every day. It took me a long time to stop this habit and focus on being truthful. At that time, I forgot that I made a decision at the age four or five not to tell the truth, I had to because I was punished or rejected and ridiculed for it. I noticed that both of my patents lied so I assumed that that's what I needed to do in order to get along with people. 
7.  I NOTICED that each time I failed and was able to accept and correct myself, I improved. Gradually, I found myself living more and more in alignment with my new choices and my new image.
8.  I CREATED a new habit, which reflected my new choices. I became a new person. 
The following are more examples of the many decisions I have made throughout my life. I must say that even though some of them took a long time to implement, once they became habits, my life became much richer and easier. Over time, my new decisions took less time and effort to put into practice.
When I made the decision to stop complaining, I discovered that I complained almost constantly - if not outwardly, then inwardly to myself. Overcoming this habit took years.
When I made the decision to eat only healthy, nutritious food I was able to maintain my decision for long periods, though sometimes I “cheated” before returning to my healthier routine.
All in all, the effort was worth it. I felt calmer and more secure once I saw that I could replace most of my bad habits with good ones. You can do the same if you wish. All you need is faith and patience. Don’t give up on yourself. If I could do it, so can you.