Commit to Good Habits – Lose the Bad Ones
Very seldom do we need to feel committed to a bad habit to keep it going. They follow us around like the plague no matter how much we want to stop. Whilst good habits take time, commitment and a more effort to stick to. Yet once you’ve mastered a good habit it’s far more rewarding. The question is how can you help yourself commit to a good habit?
One way is through visualization. Imagine how proud you’ll be every time you successfully perform your good habit and try to make this picture as motivating as possible. This drive to succeed is a useful reinforcing technique that can be used at any time, therefore it helps you stay on track no matter what temptations arise.
If visualization isn’t for you, try writing down the benefits of your good habit. For example, if you commit to building your business write down the financial benefits you’ll gain.
At some point in life we all have to make sacrifices and changing a bad habit is no exception. This lifestyle alteration may mean giving up something you really enjoy in order to live healthier. Acknowledge those sacrifices by writing them down. For example, if you’re committed to losing weight, this list might include giving up alcohol. Under certain circumstances there may be some social repercussions from this, being prepared for this peer pressure will help you succeed. A good way to avoid a loss of motivation from this is to reward yourself for embedding your new habit.
Failures happen on the road to success.
Don’t quit if you experience a set back. Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb, is quoted saying “I’ve not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”. Without his dedication we might all be sat in the dark! True commitment means not giving up at the first sign of trouble. Keep going and in time you’ll discover it was worth it.
It’s important to remember to focus on the consistency of your efforts over your performance. For example trying to complete 3 workouts a week is great, yet at times you may not feel like doing cardio. When this happens try switching to yoga because this maintains a routine. Having a regular pattern makes the habit of not exercising easier to break whilst not setting the bar too high. It’s important to give yourself some flexibility.
Unfortunately, nothing happens automatically. A decent point to aim for is 30 days because it has been shown that this usually gives you a head-start on making the habit a permanent fixture.
In order to break free from a bad habit you must engage your mind. Addictions may need professional intervention to help you break them and this tried, tested, effective method is something everyone should consider.
If you want to take responsibility and commit to good habits get in touch with Birmingham Counselling Services at: https://birminghamcounsellingservices.co.uk/