Breaking Bad: 3 Steps to Break Bad Habits

"You are what you repeatedly do."

The concept of a habit is actually very beneficial. Habits become automatic behaviors that we do without even thinking, which frees up our minds to focus on other things. Good habits develop positive behaviors that we don't have to think about, however,  bad habits do the complete opposite. They say it takes 21 days to form a habit, so how long does it take to break one? How does someone correct a behavior that probably took weeks, months or years to make subconsciously habitual?


Here are 3 steps you can take to breaking your bad habits:

1. ADMIT IT In order to break a bad habit you have to state the obvious. Coming to the realization that your are habitually doing something that doesn't progress you, actually catapults you in the direction of success. Mind Tools calls it developing self-discipline and self-awareness. Since habitual behaviors are so subconcious, it is important to stay aware of what you're doing, and how you are thinking and feeling when you're doing it. Self-awareness is key to recognizing your bad habits in the first place.

2. SWAP IT OUT  In real life, bad habits can be quite enjoyable and at times therapeutic depending on the habit; it’s VERY difficult to simply eliminate them altogether. Instead, you need to replace a bad habit with a new habit that provides a similar more positive benefit.  This article on How To Break A Bad Habit says it’s better to replace your bad habits with a healthier behaviors that addresses that same need. You can't expect yourself to go cold turkey on your bad habits (unless you have that will power) without replacing them. Going cold turkey can leave a void,  and “just not doing it" will become more difficult after a while.

3. MAKE IT CONTAGIOUS Find a friend, a real friend, that will be down for helping you achieve your new goal. Inviting your colleagues, family members, and friends to help you break your bad habits not only provides a source of accountability for you but you have a good time practicing a new behavior with people who care about your well-being and can motivate you to get back on track. Share your goals with them, and ask them to hold you accountable if you slip back into your old ways.

Of course, every person is different. It's important that you to take these blanket methods and develop a unique strategy that fits your personality and lifestyle. Old habits die hard but don't forget that You can do ALL things through Christ the strengthens you Philippians 4:13, and on days when you feel the weakest, remember,  ..."My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9. 

YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!