I once worked in an office where they did major renovations to the layout of the building one summer. It took me a long time to stop turning right, as I had been used to doing, and turn left instead to get to my office. And that was when I was young. If the adage holds true, it should be even harder to change as I grow older.
Recently I got my first speeding ticket. I was cited for going 47 mph in a 30 mph zone along my daily route to work. Granted I was going down a hill, in what is widely considered a speed trap in my neighborhood. After more than 30 years of driving experience, you would think they would let me off easy because of my perfect driving record.
Still, I don't want to be a lawbreaker, and I certainly don't want to pay another ticket, or go through the embarrassment of a siren pulling me over. So I was determined to change my driving habits. It took a number of times driving over that stretch of road and catching myself letting the car naturally accelerate on its own going down the hill as I had been doing for years. But now, as I approach the hill, it triggers me to slow down, put my foot on the brake, and watch my speedometer. I have successfully retrained my mind to take note, and practice a new habit.
I find it encouraging to know that it is possible to learn new behavior, no matter how many years I have been practicing a certain habit.
I once got a ticket for going 30 in a 25 mph school zone. I was a school person and would never have speeded in a school zone! The policeman was about 13 and it was his first day on the job. It was the middle of the day and no students were out so the speed limit should have reverted to 30 but for some reason in the school district it was always 25 even on Sundays! Still, I really was driving 30 so I paid the ticket. But I never drove down that street again. :) blessings, marlene
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