How to Break a Bad Habit Essay
Research says that 40 percent of our actions are habits not conscious decisions. A Habit is defined as “a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up”. Generally habits are good things; But what about the bad habits¬ biting your nails, smoking, procrastination, etc.? Habits are learned, therefore they can’t just be deleted, but they can be replaced by more desired behaviors. Many people have habits that they want to break, but they feel like they can’t do it, the idea of it seems impossible or too difficult to challenge. Breaking a habit is easier than it seems. In order to break a bad habit we must first define the habit. What is the behavior you want to stop and why do you …show more content…
Go to the gym, listen to music, chew gum, or cook. Visualize your success, in your mind practice breaking the habit by imagining yourself engaging in the desired behaviors rather than the old ones. For example, if your goal is to eat better than visualize yourself in the kitchen preparing health meals. Visualize that in a short period of time you will lose the 10 pounds you’re trying to lose. Remember it is okay to think about the habit you’re trying to break, just remember to visualize and remind yourself of the outcome from breaking this bad habit. Support is very important when breaking a habit. When trying to break a habit tell supportive people about your plan, it’s a great feeling to have support and encouragement. Invite friends to call you out when you slip up and there be consequences. An example of this would be if you’re trying to stop cursing; keep a swear jar and every time you slip up you have to put a dollar or an amount you would hate to give up into your husband/wife/support jar as well as your own …show more content…
Lastly, when breaking a bad habit, be patient. Behavioral training is a long process, and breaking a habit take time. Studies show that in most cases it takes 28 days to break a habit. However, reality is a lot more complicated and it progress depends on the individual and the habit. The first few days will be the hardest, but it important to stay focused and think about the outcome. There will be times when you want to give up there may even be times when you slip up but you must continue to push. Remember to you can do
Research says that 40 percent of our actions are habits not conscious decisions. A Habit is defined as “a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up”. Generally habits are good things; But what about the bad habits¬ biting your nails, smoking, procrastination, etc.? Habits are learned, therefore they can’t just be deleted, but they can be replaced by more desired behaviors. Many people have habits that they want to break, but they feel like they can’t do it, the idea of it seems impossible or too difficult to challenge. Breaking a habit is easier than it seems. In order to break a bad habit we must first define the habit. What is the behavior you want to stop and why do you …show more content…
Go to the gym, listen to music, chew gum, or cook. Visualize your success, in your mind practice breaking the habit by imagining yourself engaging in the desired behaviors rather than the old ones. For example, if your goal is to eat better than visualize yourself in the kitchen preparing health meals. Visualize that in a short period of time you will lose the 10 pounds you’re trying to lose. Remember it is okay to think about the habit you’re trying to break, just remember to visualize and remind yourself of the outcome from breaking this bad habit. Support is very important when breaking a habit. When trying to break a habit tell supportive people about your plan, it’s a great feeling to have support and encouragement. Invite friends to call you out when you slip up and there be consequences. An example of this would be if you’re trying to stop cursing; keep a swear jar and every time you slip up you have to put a dollar or an amount you would hate to give up into your husband/wife/support jar as well as your own …show more content…
Lastly, when breaking a bad habit, be patient. Behavioral training is a long process, and breaking a habit take time. Studies show that in most cases it takes 28 days to break a habit. However, reality is a lot more complicated and it progress depends on the individual and the habit. The first few days will be the hardest, but it important to stay focused and think about the outcome. There will be times when you want to give up there may even be times when you slip up but you must continue to push. Remember to you can do