So you want to change your “nasty” habits, but you’re not sure what to do.
Yep, been there. But good news: there’s totally a way to solve it.
First, let’s look at what a habit actually is.
A habit is a behavioral pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance.
So in other words, action = result.
Most of your habits are learned. You adopted them from your family, friends or environment. You were told what to do, and did it so you were a “good” girl or boy. Let’s take a good habit like brushing your teeth — you may have resisted it, but eventually it became second nature. Now, you don’t even really think about it.
You’ve learned about 90% of your habits from repeated action, so you never really questioned them. Some came from coping with life, fitting in or just trying to stay safe, but either way: habits are grooves. They run deep, and changing their course takes time.
So whatever it is you’re ready to shake off, you need to pose a few questions:
First, ask yourself this: “What results am I getting from my current habits?”
Then…
“Who am I spending time with that support the habits that I want to stop? Who do I know will support the new habits I want instead?”
Second, “Where am I spending my time that isn’t aligned with the new habits? Is it bringing me closer to the results I want? Do I feel good when I am in that environment? Is my home set up to support me?”
Third, “What do I need to get rid of? What is no longer in alignment with me? What do I need to use more? What do I have to stop using?
If you want to create new habits, then you must be ready, willing and open to becoming a new person. Yes, a new person. A new version of yourself. You want to stop smoking, gossiping, eating too much, or… fill in the blank, then you must be committed to the result. Know that on the other side, you’ll be a different person..
That can be really exciting… and really scary.
When you cross that threshold, your ‘life vibration’ changes. You’ll attract more of what you want, and less of what you don’t.
Your habits are not you. Your routines are not you. They are just architecture that you live in.
If you want a new house, then you have to do work… and that doesn’t just mean change the rugs up. You need to get up there in the rafter beams and down into the rocks of its foundation and ask why?
Why do I have this habit? Why is this my routine? Why am I ok with just getting by or not feeling good?
Then from there, you open a new door. It’s time to think, take action and re-build your foundation.
When I want to stop one habit, I bring in 3 others that support it. When I quit smoking many years ago, I began to work out, cook for myself and meditate. They kept me busy, and there was no room for me to drift off and grab a cigarette because I felt out of control.
Most of our habits are there so we can feel in control. Change only works if you’re ready, willing and open.
Let me know in the comments below what you plan to change, and the 2 or 3 things you want to do instead. Create a routine that supports your desired results.
Need some more help as you work on breaking through your old habits or routines? Then check out my Living Wellness Breakthrough session. You will get a step-by-step plan to boost your energy and thrive.
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