We’re here to help you break your bad habit for good.
Do you have a bad habit you want to break? Perhaps you’ve tried in the past, but you just can’t seem to give up your vice for good. Whether you’re determined to stop biting your nails or want to cut back on your caffeine intake, you’ll know from past experience that giving up a bad habit is hard.
Identify & Own It
You’re here which means you’re already acknowledged your bad habit and want to take steps to free yourself of its grips. Give yourself a massive pat on the back – it takes a lot of courage to face up to our own downfalls.
List The Cons
At the top of a sheet of paper, write down your bad habit in as simple terms as you can. Now, have a think about your bad habit and the way it affects your life. Does it influence only you or does it also take its toll on others? Has it made your personal or work life difficult? Does it have a negative effect on your finances? Jot down every con you can think of and be as honest as you can.
The Goal
Now think about your overall goal. What is it you want to achieve by breaking this bad habit? What will drive you when you feel tempted to return to negative ways? Write down everything and everyone who will benefit from you giving up your bad habit. These are your motivators and will help to get you through the toughest times.
Identify Possible Pitfalls
Have a think about the stumbling blocks that could make breaking your habit especially tricky. Giving up alcohol and already worrying about a party that’s coming up? Jot it down. Do you often find it difficult to say no to peer pressure? Is there a particular friend or family member who makes it hard to stay on track? Jot down their names. Once you identify the possible pitfalls, you can be alert to them and plan ahead to make sure you keep to your goals.
Planning Is Key
Plan ahead to make sure you have everything you need to make this mission a success. Stopping smoking? Stock up on chewing gum and stopping smoking aids. Cutting back on alcohol? Fill the fridge with alcohol-free alternatives such as seltzers or flavoured water. Being prepared means you’re less likely to cave in when cravings and temptations try to get the better of you.
Let’s Kick It!
You know where you want to get to, and you know what you have to do to get there. Ultimately, only you can kick your bad habit but that doesn’t mean you have to do this alone. Ask friends and family to support you in your journey. Make them aware of any potential triggers that might lie in your path and ask for their help and support with navigating and removing temptation.
Peer support groups can be a great source of comfort for people who are facing a range of issues. Groups are available for people who share common struggles or experiences with things like addiction and mental health. It can be reassuring to talk to and hear from people who are going through similar experiences to you. Having the support of your peers makes you feel accepted and understood and can boost your motivation. To find out more about peer support groups, click here.
