subject: 2 Habit Busting Tips [print this page] If you have a habit that you sincerely want gone, then read this article to discover two powerful but effortless tips to help you recover your life. You want to break this habit because it detracts from your sense of well-being, yet it hangs on. Every Sunday night when you go to sleep you resolve, next week I will overcome this! But by Monday afternoon, you are in its grip again.
You easily work well at your job, or stand out in your classes. You may grow prize roses, or expertly mother kids, and yet, this one thing runs you as if you were on a dogleash. You are afraid you might never be able to overcome this. And you may feel puzzlement or wonder...what on earth is wrong with me? By the time you are finished reading this article you will have an extra tool to help you manage your habit.
I know this well, because I used to go through embarrassment from chronic lateness. It caused serious problems: conflict on the job, disappointed friends, and troubles in school. I just never got where I was supposed to be on time. When my best friend told me once she lied about when we were supposed to meet, I knew something had to be done. There is a remedy, found in two down-to-earth tricks.
First Habit Busting Tip -
Use your power of clear thinking to look at the habit square on. Get yourself a small journal and sit silently. Make two columns. One says, Reward. The other, Cost. Time to be frank!
Start with the Reward column. Think back. When did the habit start off? What was going on in your life at the time? How did the habit help? And likely it did, in some way, ease a situation. Zero in on what is going on now when the habit starts. Is the trigger the same? What is the payoff? It is liberating to shine a light on this hidden place in our psyche.
Now, to the Cost column. List the miseries from the habit. Embarrassment? Loss of self respect? The respect of others? Time wasted, or money? Health effects? Your achievements? Your relationships?
You likely see that costs outweigh benefits. You've got a fresh perspective now, and can start to come up with solutions. Begin keeping a dated record of when the habit occurs, and what triggers it. You will become more aware of your triggers.
Second Habit Busting Tip -
New journal page. New Habits to Replace the Old.
What are you able to cultivate to short circuit the unwanted habit, that will diffuse the trigger? Have a cup of tea? Take a walk? Roll on the floor with your dog? Practice singing? Hug your kid? Call a friend? Enjoy a piece of fruit? Floss your pearly whites? You will realize what a positive, life-affirming alternate habit is.
Request your loved ones and friends to help you. When you can stay away from triggers. And if you believe you cannot do it unaided, seek help, such as a counselor, doctor, spiritual advisor or group. Above all, be kind and gentle to yourself and take it day by day.
