| Finding yourself in a rut; see yourself doing the same | | | | quit smoking or lose weight. Maybe you can find a |
| things over and over? Life in general is a habit it | | | | friend who also is trying to do the same. You two |
| seems. Habits aren't always a bad thing to have. | | | | could encourage each other and proved support |
| Some habits are good like brushing your teeth, | | | | when needed. |
| exercising, waking up on time, taking a shower. It's | | | | You Have to Replace the Bad Habit |
| the cigarette smoking, overeating, and compulsions | | | | It is very important to find something to replace |
| that wreak havoc which we need to get a handle on. | | | | what you are trying to get rid of. For instance, when |
| But What Exactly is a Habit? | | | | I quit smoking, I chose to chew sugar free gum. |
| According to Webster's Merriam dictionary, the | | | | In addition, you really want to be accountable to |
| definition of habit is "behavior pattern acquired by | | | | someone. This is important. I mentioned finding a |
| frequent repetition or physiological exposure that | | | | partner to break a habit with earlier and this |
| shows itself in regularity or increased facility or | | | | accountability can really make breaking habits a lot |
| performance." Basically, it means when you do a thing | | | | easier. |
| over and over a behavior becomes automatic. It | | | | The most important thing is once you make up your |
| goes on auto pilot. | | | | mind and have the resolve to give up something, |
| Breaking a Habit | | | | don't go back on your decision. When times get |
| The best way to break a habit is to direct your | | | | tough and they will, do not start the bad habit again. |
| focus on just one habit at a time. If you are anything | | | | Call your friend, do your replacement habit, or take a |
| like me, you want to wipe out all the bad habits out | | | | walk. Whatever you do, do not pick back up the bad |
| at once. While this is a nice idea, it's unrealistic and | | | | habit. |
| more than likely you will fail. | | | | They say it takes six weeks to build a habit. |
| Once you have chosen which habit, set a goal. Goals | | | | Therefore, you need a good six weeks to replace |
| will keep you motivated and focused. It will also be | | | | your bad habit with the good one. Good luck and |
| helpful to find someone else who is also trying to | | | | here's to breaking bad habits! |
| accomplish what you are. Perhaps you're trying to | | | | |