To get you on track, let’s look at a few ways to transform bad habits. You can hopefully start to use the ideas here from today onward.
Seeking self-improvement
When people are looking for ways to improve and develop themselves, one of the first things on the list is likely getting rid of bad habits. Although they vary from person to person, they usually stand in the way of progress in one way or another.
You may be reading this because you’re presently battling with some habits that you find are counterproductive to your growth and your methods for transforming them don’t seem to be working. There are, however, some other things to try that are likely more effective. The tips below can help you adopt positive habits.
Transform bad habits: Create a plan to start
One of the most common pieces of advice you’ll likely get when trying to transform bad habits is to create a plan. That is because without having clearly defined goals regarding what the bad habit is and why you want to change it, actually transforming the habit can be difficult.
For this reason, as well as writing your bad habits down and setting goals, you should also develop a plan of how you’re going to achieve these goals. Try writing down actions you need to take to move forward.
That includes deadlines for each step. Doing so makes it practical and easier to implement the new behavior that you want to learn.
Look for an alternative to the habit
When trying to transform bad habits, sometimes the ideal thing to do is look for an alternative to it. The reality is that stopping a habit is sometimes a process, so if you’re able to find a better alternative.
Then you may find it easier to quit. If, for example, you want to stop eating unhealthy snacks, it may be best to get rid of all the ones at home. Surround yourself with healthier alternatives.
Likewise, if you want to quit smoking, you could switch to vaping instead. You could also look into getting mods that you can use for your vape on Redjuice.
Prepare for setbacks
In real life, transformation is often a process rather than something that’s instant. So, if you want to change a bad habit for good, accept setbacks as part of the process.
If not, you may find that in the face of temptation you give up quicker than you should. On the other hand, if you prepare for setbacks, you’re less likely to discourage easily. If you relapse, you’ll likely get back on the right track relatively soon.
At times, it may seem as though your bad habits will never go away. But if you’re patient and persistent, they can.
Try and remember that changing behavior doesn’t usually happen overnight. So, be realistic about how long it will take to drop the habit is important.
I hope that using some of the tips above will help you to transform your bad habits into healthier actions.
Good information.
Appreciated!
Preparing for setbacks is the best bit of advice. I’ve given things up because I was angry at myself for not doing what it was I said I would do.
Don’t be too hard on yourself either as we all have setbacks or procrastinate at some point in time… The most important thing is to get back on our feet and carry on.
Very good tips :D
I’m trying to replace negative thoughts with positive ones
aaaand I’ve had this annoying habit of picking at my nails and the skin around my nails for a while now when I’m bored or nervous so I’ve tried to replace it with something else but… it’s been hard. I’ll try harder :)
This list helps! Thanks!
Love your positive spin on the negative Christy. <3
Great advice, Christy! This should work for all kinds of vices.
I suppose that the worst habit I ever had was cigarette smoking. Not an easy habit to break. I started smoking in 1965 and stopped in 1977. Then I had a relapse in 1982 (it lasted till 1985).
I loved my cigs, but I don’t miss them very much anymore.
Take care, Christy —
Neil
I agree, that substituting another activity for the bad habit is a good way to change your behavior. However, I don’t think vaping should be an alternative to smoking. As an asthmatic, being exposed to the vapor’s “smoke” which is the by-product of the chemicals in the vapor causes me to have an asthma attack as surely as a tobacco smoker’s smoke does. As for the one doing the vaping, here is an interesting article
Thanks for sharing more about your take on vaping and health, M!! :)
I think creating a plan is perhaps the most underrated advice ever. And it tends to be underwhelming or done improperly.
One of the things I see my own close circle friends miss out on when I ask them about their plans is what might hold them back from achieving success.
For example, if I have a tendency to stay up late, I need to be critical and honest on how I might get in my own way and sabotage myself.
Sage advice, Brian.
Instead of thinking negatively start thinking positive.
nice post