Breaking Bad Habits

Many habits are beneficial because they are automatic and they free you to focus on other things. 

However, bad habits can hold you back from fulfilling your potential.

At times, you can feel ruled by your bad habits...

The good news is that, with time and patience, you can break free of them! 

How to Overcome Your Bad Habits:

1. Choose the Right Approach. 
Will you quit the bad habit all at once, or slowly over time? Make sure that you pick the approach that works best for you.

2. Create a Plan.
Work on one bad habit at a time, incorporate it into your personal goals plan, and keep track of - and celebrate - your progress.

3. Put Obstacles Between You and Your Bad Habit.
For example, if you check social media when you should be working, pause notifications until the end of the day. Also, avoid the people, places, or situations that trigger your bad habit.

4. Engage In Positive Behaviors.
Replace bad habits with positive behaviors. For example, if you want to stop criticizing team members, make a conscious effort to praise them instead.

5. Reward Yourself.
Reward yourself for engaging in positive behavior. Over time, your brain will associate the pleasure of your reward with the positive behavior, and this will help to prevent you falling back into your bad habit.

6. Involve Others
Share your goals with colleagues, family members, and friends, and ask them to tell you if you slip back into your old ways.

7. Don't Let Slipups Derail Your Efforts.
Don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up... keep going and don't give up!

Remind yourself regularly why you want to break the habit and remember: it took time for your bad habits to form, and it will take time to break them.

And when you do, you'll feel great!


© 2022 Mind Tools by Emerald Works Ltd.