1. Believe in your heart and soul that you can change.
There is not a behavior under the sun that cannot be
changed. Some are much harder to change than others but our minds are powerful
and if we are determined enough, with the right tools we can change!!
2. Specifically identify the behavior.
You have to know what the behavior is if you want to change
it. If you want to stop treating your spouse bad, you have to know what you are
doing that is “bad”.
3. Commit whole heartedly to do whatever it takes to end the
habit.
This is not something you can do half-assed (excuse the
expression). Either commit to it or don’t bother trying. Changing habits is
hard work but is worth it if you are replacing them with healthier
alternatives. If something isn’t working to change your habit, try something
new.
4. Find someone who can hold you accountable.
Having someone to talk to about your new behavior gives you
the extra boost of motivation to push through when you are feeling weak. Knowing
in the back of your mind that so and so is going to ask you how you are doing
often keeps people on track. These people can also encourage us when we are
feeling like giving up or feeling like the progress is too slow.
5. Find an alternative to your behavior that you want to
change.
If you do not replace your behavior with something else it
will either be very hard to change or something not of your conscious choosing
will take it’s place. You must be intentional about this.
6. Put up reminders around your house or on your body to help
you stay on track.
Whether you are putting signs up or tying a string around
your finger, any reminder helps. When we get into the swing of life it is easy
to forget what we are working on. The reminders help to bring it to the front
of your mind.
7. Practice Practice Practice
Do not be discouraged if you make mistakes or if your
progress is not as fast as you would like it to be. Some habits have lasted for
years. You cannot expect them to go away in a day. It takes a lot of practice
and determination to change a behavior. You don’t have to be a slave to your
habits. Practice, practice, practice and you can be free.
Some habits are extremely difficult to change. A counselor
may be needed to get over certain habits. Don’t let needing help be an obstacle
for you. Remember you do not have to be
a slave to your habits if you are determined enough.
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