Habits, be it good or bad, are difficult to break as they are wired in your brain due to constant repetition. To break them one requires determination. You need to understand that you do not have as much control over your behavior as you think. Most of your daily actions are habitual and are conducted on “autopilot” without giving much thought.
An occasional oversight or a temptation can lead to a habit. If it is good, it has a positive effect on your life. The bad habits are what cause problems. They can be smoking, drinking alcohol or even being lazy.
You can kick your bad habits by following some of these steps:
- Identify the Bad Habit
As said by a famous psychologist, it is important to prime the process of habit-breaking. This happens when you think in terms of doable, specific behaviors. This can be not dumping your footwear in the hall and putting these in the shoe rack. Eating on the dining table instead of in front of the television is another bad habit.
- Understanding the Triggers of Bad Habits
Most often, habits are repeated even without you knowing. There are cues that contribute to bad habits. It is important to be aware of these so that you learn the reason behind that behavior.
Finding the trigger and diagnosing bad habits can make it easier for you to put an end to this. You can find effective alternatives. The awareness can transform the habit from a subconscious, automatic routine to conscious and deliberate behavior.