BREAKING BAD HABITS
This is indeed a touchy subject, and something that almost every human being goes through at one time or another. So what’s so hard about breaking a bad habit, one that you have already identified as causing harm to yourself or others? PLENTY.
Here’s some of the things to keep in mind.
1. You’re already ahead of the game. If you realize that something needs to be changed- take a moment and give yourself credit for that.
2. Understand that it is a process, and there is no time limit attached to this. Be patient at the outset.
3. Start with small, incremental steps. Let’s say you are starting an exercise program: don’t kill yourself by working out all day, which will only get you frustrated(and probably sore too!).
4. Start a new narrative in your mind. This is probably one of the most important first steps. Before something can actually change in your physical reality, you should (and probably must) imagine this in your mind first, then constantly re-enforce these thoughts.
5. Create space. Develop a place in your mind (where it counts the most) where your new behavior can replace the old destructive bad habit.
6. Shower love on the whole situation. If you struggle with anything you want to let go of, shower all the love you can muster on yourself- this energy is very powerful and can really help.
7. Develop core strength. In order to break a really ingrained habit, you must be strong. It can really help if you adopt a regular exercise and meditation practice to accompany your change. It can really aid in building up personal grit.
8. Don’t freak out if you fall back. As noted in (2) above, eliminating a bad habit, like most everything, is a process. It is not a crime, nor does it mean you have failed, if you slip back. If a lapse occurs, learn from the experience, and get back into the game.
9. Don’t compare. You are an individual on your own path. Just because someone else broke a similar bad habit in a certain time frame, that has no relevance to you.
10.Detach from the results. Don’t expect anything from your efforts: keep your efforts pure, sincere, and consistent; then, watch as the magic unfolds naturally.
