Thursday, February 19, 2009

How to Break Bad Habits

By Charlie Reese

Breaking Bad Habits is Hard but Possible

Regardless of who you are there, you likely have a bad habit that you wish you could break. It may be something as simple as biting your nails, or it could involve an addiction to nicotine or alcohol. It can be tough to find the willpower to be successful at breaking bad habits, but it can be done if you have the desire. The first step in overcoming the problem is recognizing it.

There are many things you can do to stop a negative behavior. In the case of someone who bites their nail, breaking that habit might involve putting something spicy on their fingernails. Another thing that often works to help deter the individual from biting their nails is a couple of layers of fingernail polish. This approach obviously works much better for women than men.

Sometimes the key to stopping a particular activity is replacing it with something new. If you are accustomed to smoking at a certain time everyday, maybe during your coffee or lunch break at work, talk a walk outside instead. Not only will this help with breaking bad habits, but it may result in the extra benefit of you getting in better shape. If you arent feeling energetic you can always use the time to read a book, or make a list of things you need to do. Anything that can take your mind away from the habit you are hoping to break is a step in the right direction.

Things like Internet addiction are overtaking the lives of many people. This can be an incredibly hard habit to break but with a clear but plan of action it can be done. If you really are determined to break your habit of going online at every chance you get, consider canceling your Internet service. If you do this youll have to pay to use the Internet at a caf or library. This is a great deterrent as it cost a lot to log on this way.

Involving others in your quest to better your life can be incredibly helpful. This works really well if the other person is interested in breaking bad habits too. If you both want to give up the same vice, you can work together and encourage one another. Approach it as though you are each others coach. Agree to give pep talks and have rewards for all the milestones the two of you hit. This can provide all the incentive you need to really succeed and the best part of it is that youll have someone there who understands exactly what you are feeling.

They say that old habits are often hard to break. Thats true, but its important to remember that they arent impossible to break. With some perseverance and drive youll be breaking bad habits and not only will you be happier but youll be proud of yourself too. - 15784

About the Author: