You can’t fix something until you admit it’s broken.
Then what?
Imagine this.
Your favorite boots are worn out and it’s time to toss them.
What comes next? You buy yourself a new pair of boots!
You don’t like your job or your boss, or maybe you hate them both!
Well, you still need an income. It’s time for a new job, or possibly, a whole new career.
Here’s what I’m getting at.
When something is no longer a good fit, you scrap it, right?
However, you don’t walk around without shoes because you’ve worn them out.
You don’t deny yourself an income because you don’t like your job.
You find a replacement. And often, it’s better.
The same goes for bad habits.
But why is it so hard to kick a bad habit?
Because we don’t realize we need to replace it with something new or better.
It’s not easy, but it’s simple. It takes thought, practice and patience. Here’s how.
- Identify the habit you want to change. I say change, not quit. Because you need to fill that time/action with something else, or you will find yourself reverting right back to that old habit, without even being aware.
- Decide on a healthy or productive replacement. For example, if you want to cut down on your coffee consumption in the morning, make only one cup instead of making a whole pot. Or buy a small coffee instead of a large one.
- Make yourself do it! A habit is a habit because we are on autopilot. We have to be intentional when we make a change because it doesn’t come naturally. Yet!
- Keep practicing. Be thoughtful and kind to yourself. Change takes time. Forming a new habit can take anywhere between 21 to 60 days. Don’t compare yourself to anything other than your own progress.
- Reward yourself. Having a glass of wine with dinner every night isn’t terrible, but it can become a bad habit depending on your goals. If you are cutting back, save that glass of wine for a Saturday night and really enjoy it!
- Mindset is imperative. Don’t give up something that you know you should, or that someone else wants you to. Look in the mirror. Ask yourself, is this SUPER important to me? If the answer is yes, you will be far more likely to stick to that habit change.
It’s hard to admit that you are getting in your own way. And, it’s even harder to commit to taking responsibility to getting out of your way. But if you’re passionate about changing, nothing is going to stop you!
