Breaking a bad habit

Well. This is probably one of the hardest things to do in life, but it is possible with the right steps. The reason people don’t stick to things or can’t break bad habits is before they even start they set themselves up for failure on day 1.

Before they even get a chance to achieve anything they have been set up for failure by a few different things.

• The goal isn’t realistic and to big
• The time frame isn’t achievable
• The idea is good, but you don’t actually want to change it just ‘sounds cool’
• The environment around you isn’t supportive
• The goal is only set because someone else set it

We need to minimise and limit the above from happening. You know that quote if your friends jump off a bridge would you do it too… (look personally I probably would) but for the purpose of this blog we can’t just follow because our friend wants to give something up or break a habit or set a goal.= 

Start simple:

1. Identify what you want to change
2. Then identify why you actually want to change – 9 times out of 10 if you get stuck on step 2 then you won’t make the change because you don’t have a big enough driving force to stick to the change.
3. Plan when the new actions will start
4. Tell someone for accountability
5. Set reminder alarms on your phone – ie: drink water instead of coffee/ get up and go for a walk/ put the snack down)
6. If you can stick to your change for a week reward yourself. As humans we will continue to do things that give us a reward and satisfaction so remind yourself of what you are achieving and find an appropriate reward. (Mine is get a tattoo or buy some shoes)
7. Also set a punishment if you don’t stick to something. This is the last thing we want to do and wish to avoid so we’d rather break the habit over doing the punishment. (For me it’s a 10km run…yuck)

If you need more help breaking a habit let me know and we can arrange more help!