Normally, I don't like to burn bridges -- especially with people. I don't like to cut off all possibilities with an individual who, one day, I may need or want in my life. But some bridges need to be burned and those bridges have to do with old habits or activities that we have decided we don't want or need in our lives anymore.

For example, a young man I know has a drinking problem. He is working hard to overcome it and is learning to say ''no'' in social situations where liquor is prevalent. But he still has several bottles of liquor in his house. I keep telling him to pour them down the sink, but he won't do it. He gives excuses that people who visit may want it, and he'd need it to serve others. But do you want to know what the real reason is that he won't pour those bottles down the sink? When you get down to the deep dark recesses of his heart, he thinks, "If I throw those out, then I can never have a drink again. I'm saying that I will never drink again in my life and I just can't commit to that."

It's a matter of commitment, pure and simple. Burning bridges with old activities must occur if we really want to see results. We can't harbor secret wishes and leave loopholes for us to revert to old habits and still expect to have success in life changes. In my friend's case, throw it out, stay out of bars, find new friends who don't drink, and commit. Without commitment there is no hope.

Is there a bad habit that you want to break in your life? Then commit and block all roads leading back to that old habit. Remove all possibilities of your giving in at a weak moment. It's true that we can't always remove all possibilities, but we can at least remove open-door invitations to succumb. Burn those bridges!

Marnie Pehrson, a mother of 6, has been highlighting truth and talent for 15 years. Whether it's writing a novel that spotlights individuals who've made a difference in the world or helping a talented entrepreneur create a platform for his life's work, Marnie underscores truth and talent in innovative and compelling ways. She is the creator of www.IdeaMarketers.com and helps experts promote their products and services online. For more information on her various projects and books, visit http://www.pwgroup.com. Contact the author, Marnie Pehrson , at marnie@pwgroup.com
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