Last week we looked at how we developed habits, and we started the process to change, or eliminate habits that were no longer serving us.
My first tip was to stop labelling it as a bad habit. It is a habit and one that initially helped, and is now no longer serving.
I then suggested that you take the past week to identify one of your habits that is no longer serving you and think back to when you started the ‘thing’, and notice how it no longer serves you. Did you do this? Were you surprised as how something that once helped now hinders?
Identifying the habit and acknowledging why it started are key ingredients to change. So now that we have done that, what next?
Be very aware that you are not changing you, just a behaviour. You did not have this behaviour before, and you can be that way again.
See yourself living the way that you choose. Each morning before getting out of bed see yourself being and doing the things that you want with ease. Spend at least 5 minutes on this visualisation. Maybe it could be all the times that you would normally smoke throughout the day, see yourself not smoking and being comfortable not smoking.
Choose a substitute activity. As an example if it is eating chocolate, have a glass of water instead.
Identify and cut out as many triggers as possible. Be aware that you do this activity when bored, stressed, overwhelmed etc. and where possible do not put yourself in those situations.
Get support. Let someone know what you are wanting to achieve, ask if they can be your go to person if you find you are struggling.
Hang around people who are doing what it is that you want. For example if you don’t want to drink too much alcohol, then spend more time with family and friends who don’t drink or control their intake.
You are human, be aware that you may slip up and don’t beat yourself up if you do. There is no such thing as failure only feedback, what can you do differently next time?
If you find that the above gives you some success, but not total success then don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Changing habits and behaviours is one of my specialities.
Live the life you want and deserve.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Deb
PS – consider attending my next workshop, book here!
