What makes bad habits so hard to overcome? Why do we keep them even when we’re aware that they’re harmful? Habits are formed through repetition, whether they’re bad or good, breaking them is never easy, especially after having them for a long amount of time. However, change is always achievable when you put your mind to it. Here are the top 10 tips to help break bad habits and how to replace them with healthier, more productive ones.
Acknowledging the Habit and Its Impact
The first step to breaking a bad habit is acknowledging the habit exists and understanding its impact on your life. One of the main reasons it’s hard to break a bad habit is because you may not realize you have it or the extent it has on yourself, mentally and physically. Self-awareness is the starting point for change and is key in transforming your habits. Take a moment to reflect on the habit and how it affects your everyday life. Fully understanding its impact can give you more motivation to change.
Find the Root of the Habit
Habits don’t form out of nowhere; they are usually caused by something and develop over time. Finding the triggers behind your habit allows you to find the root to your problem. Observe when the habit occurs, and you may pinpoint the root. Once you know the origin, you can explore other ideas to avoid the habit. For example, if stress makes you eat unhealthily, you can try to take a walk when you’re stressed or find a healthier alternative food to eat.
Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Breaking habits become so much easier when you have a clear and set goal of what you want to do instead. Instead of saying, “I want to stop procrastinating,” try a concrete goal such as, “I want to stop procrastinating by putting away my phone for 30 minutes when I’m doing my school work.” Allowing yourself to have a specific plan will help breaking the habit 10 times easier.
Take Your Time
Remind yourself that it takes time to get out of habit, realistically one that is formed after 30 days of repetition. Start with small steps, giving yourself time to grow and change. Be patient with yourself, breaking a habit is rarely quick or easy.
Leave Yourself Reminders
Sticky notes, or any visual reminder around your house or in your car, can be extremely helpful. Many times when breaking a bad habit, you can be forgetful of your goal, which is why seeing a visual reminder everyday can keep you on track of accomplishing your goal. It can also be helpful leaving the visual reminder wherever your habit typically occurs, which will remind you to avoid repeating the habit again. If sticky notes aren’t enough, set alarms or reminders on your phone. When setting your alarm, you can also add motivational notes that can push you to achieve your goal.
Motivate Yourself with Rewards
Breaking bad habits are always challenging, and most of the time you can become unmotivated. Setting up a reward system will help you stay more motivated to continue your goal. Motivating yourself along the way and giving yourself little treats for completing small steps will help make the journey more enjoyable.
Change Your Mindset
Staying in a motivated, healthy and positive mindset is essential for breaking bad habits. It allows you to make the change and help you succeed. Avoid thoughts like “I can’t do it” or “I don’t feel like it,” as these create roadblocks.
Change Your Environment
The environment plays a vital role in maintaining bad habits. It can be the books in your living room, the food in your pantry or maybe even the people you surround yourself with. Try switching up your environment, whether it’s something small like changing the route you go to work to avoid a coffee shop or even as big as distancing yourself from friends who don’t benefit you or your goals.
Track Progress and Celebrate Milestones
Tracking progress is one of the best ways to stay motivated. Use a journal, app or calendar to record your progress and mark important milestones. Once you reach significant milestones, reward yourself with a gift or even a celebration. It is important to recognize that breaking a bad habit is hard, and feeling accomplished after reaching your milestones helps keep you motivated.
Seek Support Along the Way
You’re not alone in this process. If you struggle breaking a bad habit, always reach out to friends and family for support. For more serious issues, like substance abuse, seek professional help. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance; this will help you in the long run.
Breaking bad habits is not easy, but it’s achievable if you put your mind to it. Use these 10 tips to achieve your goal of breaking your bad habits and replacing them with healthier,more productive habits. Take it one step at a time, and soon enough you’ll be enjoying the benefits of positive change.
