I had a pretty difficult time until I figured out to pose the question, “How will this benefit my mindfulness practise” in everything I do.
In actuality, I had two patterns that I could not stand.
I would first practise intensely for three or four days to build up some momentum. I would eventually stop, forgetting to meditate for three or four days, and start doing my old routines instead. I’d reach a low point and become dejected. Finally, I would say to myself, “Okay, I’ve got to go back to it!” and then I would begin the frustrating cycle again, which never seemed to end.