Habits define us as an individual more than any other factor. While good habits help us become better with each passing day, bad habits on the other hand prove to be a big hindrance in life.
Old habits die hard, they say. Once picked, habits become a part of daily life but what if it's something that you want to get rid of? Here are some good habits you can use to replace the bad ones.
Old habits die hard, they say. Once picked, habits become a part of daily life but what if it's something that you want to get rid of? Here are some good habits you can use to replace the bad ones.
Jot Down Your Bad Habits And Identify Their Cause
Begin with making a list of all bad habits that you wish to get rid of! Once done, identify what is causing you to stick to these habits. Before trying to replace them, it is important to know their root cause.
For instance, bad habits like nail-biting, reckless eating, insomnia, procrastination, smoking and drinking are the favourite escape mechanisms to deal with stress. Similarly, draining time on social media, binge-watching, shopping etc are a result of extra boredom prevailing in one's life.
Excavate A Good Replacement
Find beneficial and more creative alternatives to cope with stress and kill boredom because time and again you'd feel like clinging to those old habits. When that happens, you must be ready with your substitutes. Ask yourself what would you do when you feel like going back to the same habit and come up with suitable alternatives.
For instance, bad habits like nail-biting, reckless eating, insomnia, procrastination, smoking and drinking are the favourite escape mechanisms to deal with stress. Similarly, draining time on social media, binge-watching, shopping etc are a result of extra boredom prevailing in one's life.
Excavate A Good Replacement
Find beneficial and more creative alternatives to cope with stress and kill boredom because time and again you'd feel like clinging to those old habits. When that happens, you must be ready with your substitutes. Ask yourself what would you do when you feel like going back to the same habit and come up with suitable alternatives.
Understand The 3R Cycle
Any bad habit revolves around the 3Rs - reminder, routine and reward. Out of the three, what needs most attention is a reminder, which acts as a catalyst to these habits. Hence, it is important to note these triggers and eliminate them. For instance, you might feel like binge-watching a series to kill boredom which acts as a trigger here. You could eliminate the trigger by indulging in more useful activities like book reading. Once you understand this pattern, it becomes quite easy to replace these habits.
Focus On What You're Gaining
While replacing bad habits, most of us tend to focus more on the reward or pleasure we're sacrificing. What we forget is that we're gaining a lot more than what we are losing. You might feel miserable about missing your favourite food, series or any other bait in the initial days, but remember that it is something you are doing for your betterment. Focus on the benefits you're reaping instead of lamenting the loss of those habits.
Focus On What You're Gaining
While replacing bad habits, most of us tend to focus more on the reward or pleasure we're sacrificing. What we forget is that we're gaining a lot more than what we are losing. You might feel miserable about missing your favourite food, series or any other bait in the initial days, but remember that it is something you are doing for your betterment. Focus on the benefits you're reaping instead of lamenting the loss of those habits.
Encircle Yourself With A Positive Environment
When you keep yourself in the company of like-minded, optimistic and motivating people and the environment, achieving any kind of set target becomes quite effortless.
With the right people around, you get the much-needed push to become a better version of yourself. In addition, instead of struggling all alone, you could look for someone working towards the same goal.
With the right people around, you get the much-needed push to become a better version of yourself. In addition, instead of struggling all alone, you could look for someone working towards the same goal.
Self Motivation Matters The Most
No tricks and tactics will possibly work out unless and until you aren't motivated enough from within. Your mentality matters the most. Also, no amount of external motivation will help if you aren't self-motivated on being consistent. Hence, you need to opt for an optimistic approach and believe in yourself. You may fail many times but you need to keep yourself prepared to deal with failure too!
Conclusion
We know it is not a piece of cake. Habits once cultured can't be easily replaced. It takes a lot of time, consistent efforts and strong willpower to replace bad habits, but remember that it is something for your good, the benefits of which you'll reap in the coming future.
Conclusion
We know it is not a piece of cake. Habits once cultured can't be easily replaced. It takes a lot of time, consistent efforts and strong willpower to replace bad habits, but remember that it is something for your good, the benefits of which you'll reap in the coming future.
