Resisting or modifying habits and routines

Patterns of thought or behavior are difficult to eliminate or modify.  I find as I age, I have to watch extra-carefully while doing something I have done many times before.  When I deviate from my usual pattern, it can almost feel a little painful at times.  I sometimes find that something I normally do is not a good idea.  Maybe it never was and maybe aging or new understanding has given me a good reason to be different.  But seeing myself being different is often quite different from being actually on the new track I am aiming for.  Even when I have a good reason to change, the established procedure can pull at me and I have to stay conscious of the new one I am trying to establish.