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This post is about how to change negative habits
Changing negative habits starts with an intention, and some habits are harder to change than others.
If you are determined to change your negative habits, these 7 tips can help…
1) Replace the Negative Habit
It is much easier to change a negative habit if you replace it with a better habit.
Habits are not bad. The fact that we develop habits over time makes life easier to navigate because we don’t have to use so much mental energy.
Get a journal and make a list of good habits that you intend to replace the negative habit with.
Exercise and meditation are great habits because they provide relief and a sense of well being.
If you can maintain the new positive habits they will eventually start to feel as natural as the negative ones.
2) Identify the Reason for the Negative Habit
Whatever addiction you are trying to overcome, the reason is it provides a feeling of relief.
It is natural to want to feel good.
Don’t demonize the habit or get down on yourself for having it. It is very easy to feel guilty for having a habit but that won’t change it.
Acknowledge that the habit has served a purpose and set the intention to find a better way to find that sense of relief.
3) Get Excited about Changing the Negative Habit
It is actually easier to change a negative habit if you get excited about it.
Make a list of all the positive effects of changing the negative habit.
For instance, if you want to stop drinking, think of all the extra money you will have. Imagine how much better you will feel when you wake up without a hangover.
Timothy Ferris, inthe book “The Four Hour Workweek” explains that cultivating an optimal state of excitment makes it easier to follow through with goals.
For instance, it is much easier to eat healthier if you get really excited about the new body you will have.
When I quit smoking I imagined how good it would feel to have a glass of wine without craving a pack of cigarettes.
I was able to associate more pleasure with not having the habit, and it made it much easier to quit.
4) Use your Imagination
Imagination is a powerful took to change negative habits.
Creative visualization is the process of deliberately putting images into your mind and giving them positive emotions.
Imagine yourself going about your day without the negative habit.
For example, Imagine feeling happy while enjoying a salad. Imagine enjoying a meal without reaching for a drink or a craving a cigarette.
Imagine having the body you want and feeling great in it.
5) Shake up your Routine
Sometimes changing a negative habits requires doing something dramatically different.
It is really difficult to change a negative habit if you have the exact same schedule as before.
Identify the times you engage in the negative habit and change things up a bit.
Use a planner to activity schedule healthy activities during the week.
6) Meditate
Negative habits are used to provide a feeling of relief. In order to change negative, you need to find another way to provide yourself with that relief.
Meditation promotes well being and relaxation without negative side effects.
7) Therapy
Negative habits are often a result of unresolved issues.
Talking to a professional can sometimes help get to the root of those issues. You can find a list of licensed online therapists here.
If you are determined to change a negative habit it is possible. Just remember that it often doesn’t happen overnight.
The most important thing is to not give up!
Need some Guidance in your journey….
I am a lifecoach specializing in happiness and life purpose.
Because I believe everyone’s needs and goals are different I offer as little or as many sessions as needed.
For a free 15 minute consultation email me at aglassofcheri@gmail.com.