No matter who we are or where we are in live, we all have one…maybe two…and maybe even more bad habits that we’d like to stop.  It could be something as seemingly simple as biting your nails or chewing on a pen caps until that habit turns into something more like a nail bed infection or a cold.  Or maybe you have an annoying habit of showing up late to every event or meeting.  Or maybe that habit of yours is even more damaging and dangerous such as smoking or running redlights. 

Whatever your bad habit, big or small, I have found three simple ways to help you kick that habit.  But I caution you.  Only attempt these three steps if you are really ready to change because if you only half-heartedly attempt these steps you’ll wind up frustrated and even more set in your wicked ways.  If you are ready to change, are fed up with friends and family asking you when you’re going to quit and are tired of making excuses about why you do the thing(s) that you do…follow these steps.

1.  Make a Commitment

This step may seem easy but it is the most difficult step and transition to make.  This is the time when you have to make up your mind to stop doing that thing that has become such a part of your personality… your makeup… that you’ll almost feel naked or a little off, like you’re missing something.  That’s because you are.  You are missing that part of you that you’ve decided needs to change for the better.  So once you’ve taken the step to commit…then you’re ready for the second step.

2.  Set a Date!

This means set a date when you’re going to start the change.  If you know that it’s going to be hard for you to just stop what you’ve been subconsciously doing for years, it may take you several days or several weeks to get everything in place to help you accomplish your goal.  Now you might think to yourself that it won’t take you more than a couple of days to get starting on kicking your habit but you have to sit back and think for a minute.  Really take the time and evaluate how that bad habit manifests itself throughout the day.  If it’s smoking that you want to stop….really take a look at your day and list the times when you actually smoke or think about smoking.  Is it after your morning coffee?  Is it before you get to work..on the drive in?  Is it during your morning or afternoon break?  Is it after lunch or dinner?  Is it after a long day at work?  Do you smoke when you’re out with friends?  Really take a look and see all of the places where you’re going to have to change your behavior and what you do.  This review process takes time and should not be completed too prematurely.  But once you’ve set the date then it’s time for the last and final step. 

3.  Gather Support. 

Nothing will keep you focused on your goal like your own personal cheering section.  You’ll need supporters at work, at home and at your favorite hangouts.  These aren’t just people you are there for you when you’re doing good but these are people you will really give it to you when you need it.  They’re going to keep you on task and help you walk the straight and narrow.  They’re going to encourage you but they’re also going to help redirect you when you need it.  If you don’t have someone, a friend, a colleague or even a spouse who will tell you the truth when you need it…then find someone who will.

So when you’re ready to kick that bad habit of yours….make a commitment….set a date….and gather support…because you’re on your way to making a lasting change for the better!

To your wellness,

The Health and Wellness Queen

This entry was posted on Monday, January 22nd, 2007 at 4:48 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.