Activity 1
Developing Good Habits
Ask: If someone tells a lie, does that mean he or she is a liar?
Based on the answers that are provided, lead a discussion to make the point that a single bad act does not define a person, but it may be the first step in a process that does define the person.
Make the following points through brief comments:
- Habits can be divided roughly into two types: good habits—such as always doing the thing you know to be right or regularly being considerate of others—and poor habits—such as cheating or putting off the things we have to do until the last minute.
- Poor habits, or vices, come easily to us. We slip into telling convenient lies, and before long we have the lying habit. We are liars. Or we start watching more and more television, and soon we are hooked and have little time for school assignments. The road to poor habits is smooth and slippery.
- Good habits, or virtues, on the other hand, are more difficult to come by. We have to work hard to acquire a strong, good habit.
Moving in the direction of developing good habits can be a matter of intentionality. Ask Explorers to describe some good habits they might like to adopt. Examples may include helping around the house, completing homework on time, or saving money from part-time work.
Pass out the Seven Steps to Good Habits activity sheet. Ask participants to pick one habit they would like to adopt and jot down some things they can do to internalize that desired good habit.
After Explorers complete the activity sheet, use the questions below to lead a reflection.