Feel good about yourself: 12 ways to break a bad habit

You don’t even think about it anymore, it’s become automatic. But if you’re going to feel good about yourself you know it has to stop. It’s hard to break a bad habit, so how ‘bout some help…

She’d smoked for 20 years and was feeling it physically. She also knew the nicotine amped up her anxiety, and being stuck in the smoking rut didn’t do her depression any favors.

So you know what? She quit. Took a lot of guts, thought, planning, and help, but she did it.

About habits

We’re human, we do habits. All animals do. Some are good, some not so hot.

Here’s what 18th century novelist and statesman Johann Wolfgang von Goethe had to say…

Habit is a man’s sole comfort. We dislike doing without even unpleasant things to which we have become accustomed.

Consider the times, I’m sure he was referring to women as well.

Habits are just another characteristic of the species. And if you think about it, they make perfect sense.

Safety

Evolving over innumerable years, habits have become useful – essential. And that’s because they provide safety..

The fact that we come to think, feel, and behave “automatically” ensures nothing’s forgotten – we’re protected. From a survival perspective, that’s all that matters.

Of course, we can be victimized by our habit wiring. And that’s when the bad, even dangerous, ones come to call.

Feel good about yourself: 12 ways to break a bad habit

“I need to stop. Period. And I’ll work hard to find the help to do it.”

I’ve spent a lifetime wrestling with assorted bad habits. Let’s see, alcohol, tobacco, relationships, beating up on myself, and more.

Guess you can say I’ve earned my helping credential.

Keep in mind, what you’re about to read is general advice. Finding and practicing strategies and techniques for breaking your particular bad habit is crucial.

Here we go…

1. Before taking action, see if you can determine the true motivation for breaking the bad habit. If it isn’t on target, you may not be able to pull it off.
2. Where are you regarding readiness? Maybe it isn’t time to roll. Take a look at the stages of change.
3. We often think in extremes. Decide if the bad habit needs to be broken or better managed. Sidestepping stress is always a good idea.
4. Those you come into contact with don’t deserve to be the recipient of any negative fallout. Own your good decision and deal with it.
5. If you have a history of struggling with bad habits, dig into how and why. Genetics, biochemistry, self-esteem, bad judgment, laziness? Lots to learn.
6. Bad habits are often manifestations of inner conflict and pain. Try to connect the dots – work the puzzle. Consider breaking the habit a learning opportunity. It’ll make the journey more comfortable and satisfying.
7. Be aware that a replacement bad habit can pop-up just about beyond our awareness. It’s prime time.
8. Substitution = Survival. How can you expect to permanently remove something destructive from your life if you don’t come up with a non-toxic replacement? Plan in advance to avoid #7.
9. If you’re new to significant change or it’s always been difficult, take it slowly. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Grab diversion breaks as needed.
10. Breaking a bad habit, and adopting healthy replacements, is the ultimate in rational thinking and action. Feel good about it, expand the vibe internally – even if you don’t succeed the first time around.
11. If you’re having a tough time hanging in there, recall the very worst of your bad habit days – feeling lousy, negative social consequences, wasting money, etc.
12. How can you make sure your hard work becomes a life-changing experience, beyond breaking the habit?

And there you have it. Go ahead and give ‘em a go because they’ve sure helped me over the years.

Feel good about yourself

You don’t even think about it anymore, it’s become automatic. Well, that’s great if it applies to good habits, not so hot regarding the bad ones.

I’m thinking there’s at least one bad habit in your life that’s gotta’ go – now. Muster the determination, and gather the skills, to break it.

No doubt, you’ll feel good about yourself.

Here’s something that’ll always be a good habit. Check out those Chipur mood and anxiety info and inspiration titles.