We all have at least one bad habit in our lives, even though it can be painful to admit it. Some bad habits are worse than others, of course.
Smoking cigarettes or drinking too much alcohol can be very bad for your health, as can eating excessive amounts of junk food.
Other bad habits can just be frustrating and irritating to you and others. Maybe you are a constant nail biter or you like to crack your knuckles a lot?
Then there are other bad habits like procrastination that can prevent you achieving the things that you really want in your life.
The bottom line here is that most of your bad habits have probably been around for some time. If this is the case then they can be really tough to break.
So here are 3 simple and powerful steps for you that will make the process of breaking your bad habits a lot easier.
1. Be aware of your Bad Habit
The first step that you need to take to break a bad habit is to be fully aware of it. This means that you need to work out why you indulge in your bad habit and when it happens. Not only that but you need to know the feelings that are associated with the bad habit.
So for example if you feel like smoking a cigarette, think about what has triggered this craving. Is it a specific time of day or the result of something happening? When you smoke the cigarette what feelings do you experience? Is it satisfying? Does it scratch an itch? Does it relax you?
Once you know these things you will have a much greater chance of breaking the bad habit.
2. Write it down
As you examine your bad habit it's important that you write everything down that you learn about it. The reason for this is that it provides you with a foundation or a baseline to break the habit. Something to refer to when you lose focus, and also an action that helps to keep you mindful.
Make a note of the triggers that make you want to indulge in the habit and the feelings that you experience by indulging in it.
Make a commitment to observe your bad habit and record everything for a few days at least. Your aim is to build up all the data that you require to tackle the bad habit.
The next steps will be so much easier when you have this data. Create a list of the pros and the cons of the bad habit as well. What's good about it? And what's bad enough that you need to stop it?
3. Replace don't eliminate
After gathering all the necessary data about your bad habit you can then find something else to replace it. So if you have a habit of biting your nails then when you feel the urge you could try chewing a piece of gum. If you crack your knuckles then perform a few stretches instead.
If you have a habit of snacking on junk food, try switching some of your snacks for healthier options rather than trying to stop snacking altogether.
Use these three simple and powerful steps to help break your bad habits. They will require some thought and dedication, but they're not difficult to perform and will help you a lot.
Don’t let your bad habits control your life. It will take time and effort to break them but it's not as difficult as you may think it is.
