It has been said that man is largely a creature of habit．We all develop routines and habits in our everyday lives，whether we are aware of it or not．To some people these routines are very important and even a small change，such as missing the morning paper，can affect the way they feel all day．Other people dislike routine and change their habits often in order to ward off boredom．They may even go so far as to change their residence or job frequently．There are two different approaches to life that are extremes，but each has advantages and disadvantages．
In the first case，to that of people who dislike change，a dependency on routines and habits can provide a sense of security and convenience，but it can also be limiting．Routines provide security because people do not have to wonder what will happen．In this rapidly changing world，it is sometimes reassuring to have a schedule to follow．Habits also make life more convenient because people do not have to think about what they must do next and do not need to worry about forgetting something．They can go through their daily routines automatically．However，this way of life is limiting when people are too dependent on their routine．They may not only be upset when things do not go according to plan，but also miss many good opportunities to try new things．
In the second case，to that of people who seem to thrive on change，there are also advantages and disadvantages．First of all，this kind of person is usually more open to new ideas．He can，therefore，learn more and experience more．In addition，because he is not afraid to make changes in his life and take risks，he is more willing to take advantage of unexpected opportunities．This may lead him to a previously unforeseen success．But if a person is always seeking ways to change his life，he may not stick with things long enough to gain the most benefit from them．If he lacks the necessary determination and perseverance，it will be difficult for him to succeed by any means other than luck．
In my opinion，both of these lifestyles are extremes．Most people are not so dependent on their habits，nor are they addicted to change．For me，a lifestyle somewhere between these two is ideal．I find some habits and routines comforting and convenient，yet I do not want to be afraid to face changes or take advantage of unforeseen chances to improve my life．Therefore，I will continue to follow my routine in daily life，but keep my eyes open for opportunities．
Words and Expressions
ward off避开，挡住
take advantage of利用
- unforeseen adj．意料之外的，未预见到的
be addicted to沉迷于
Read and recite the following sentences：
（1）There two different approaches to life are extremes，but each has advantages and disadvantages．
（2）In my opinion，both of these lifestyles are extremes．Most people are not so dependent on their habits，nor are they addicted to change．
Now try and write out the sentences here：
（1）There two different approaches to life __________，but each has __________．
（2）In my opinion，__________ are extremes．Most people are not so dependent __________，nor are they __________．
习惯与改变
人类一直以来被说成是习惯的动物。不论我们有没有意识到，在日常生活中，我们一直在例行公事并且养成了习惯。对某些人而言，这些例行公事非常重要，就算像是没看到早报这种微小的改变也会影响到他们整天的心情。而有些人则讨厌公式化，而且为了避免无聊，经常改变习惯，甚至有些还会经常变换居住地点或工作。这两种生活方式都很极端，但也各有其优缺点。
第一种人不喜欢改变，依赖例行工作与习惯带给他们的安全感与便利，但这样也有所限制。例行公事带给他们安全感，因为不需要猜想会发生什么事。在这个快速变迁的世界中，有时预先知道要做什么事情会让人安心。习惯也让人觉得生活更方便，因为这样就不用去想下一步要做什么以及担心会忘掉什么，如此他们就能习惯性地每天过一样的生活。然而，当人们过于依赖例行公事时，其生活方式就会受限。如果事情不按计划进行，他们会不高兴，而且也会错失很多尝试新事物的良机。
第二种人乐于改变，也是有利有弊。首先，这种人通常较能接受新的想法。因此，他们能学得更多，而且见识更广。此外，这种人因为不怕改变生活而冒险，所以就更愿意利用意想不到的机会，这也许就能让他们获得出乎意料的成功。但如果这种人不断地寻求改变生活的方法，他们也许就因为不能长久坚持而无法从中获得最大的利益。如果缺乏必要的决心与毅力，那么除了靠运气之外，是很难有所成就的。
依我之见，这两种生活方式都过于极端，大部分的人既不会过于依赖习惯，也不会执着于改变。对我来说，介于这两者之间的生活方式是最理想的。我认为有些习惯与例行公事能让人觉得舒适而便利，但我却不会害怕面对改变，或利用意想不到的机会去改善我的生活。因此，虽然我会继续在日常生活中墨守成规，但还是会张大眼睛寻觅机会。