How to change habits painlessly

We all have those certain habits we wish we didn’t, but we still can’t seem to break them. Most of the time, we think we’re making decisions, although they are just the previous old habits.

We’re just doing what we do and that makes us less energetic, less influential, less productive – just less anything and everything. But there is a way to improve. There is always a way. Almost everything you are doing right now, you can try to do better.

To change habits can definitely be a challenge. But if you just think it as an experience and put in a little time and effort, it all starts making sense. Here’s how:

• Pinpoint the habits you want to change

Specificity is the key point here. Instead of noting behaviour, identifying specific habits that you need to work on will help you move more quickly. Practice mental scripting as well as making lists. Stop nail-biting, eating healthy, lessen your social media usage –  and the list goes on. 

The habits and resolutions themselves aren’t that important. Writing them down is. Writing creates clarity in mind and concentrates on what the end result could be. 

This process isn’t about making you feel bad about yourself, but about making you aware of the things you are willing to change. Making a list also serves as a reminder of the particular habits you want to work on.

This list can obviously scare the hell out of you. It may seem overwhelming, especially if you keep on noticing more bad habits than good ones. But the thing is that we all have habits we want to change. So instead of worrying about them all, just pick one or two, and you’ll notice/ see the change.

• Identify the cause

Now that you have got a list of your habits, try to find what causes them. Try to find out what triggers them or you. Knowing the root cause is the best trick to replace or change a habit.

 Most habits are triggered by certain situations or surroundings. Maybe you reach for that junk food or a piece of chocolate when you’re stressed. Or you lazily scroll on social media just because you’re bored. Even you could accidentally lie in some situation because you’re nervous. 

That urge to do something even though you know it might be bad for you is quite irresistible. When you know the cue, you can determine the routine. Learning what prompts them can help you understand the process better. It might also help you come up with ideas to change your behaviour.

• Replace the habit

It takes some time and a lot of effort to form new habits. So instead of breaking your habits at first, try to replace them. You will achieve nothing if you rush into things —- make tiny changes.

Replacing a habit with an alternative better one is the way to go.  If you are entirely giving up something in this process, be sure that you are adequately replacing the needs at the same time. 

Instead of munching on junk food when you’re stressed, try some stress managing techniques like a walk or even meditation. Chewing gum when you want a cigarette. Eating fruit when you’re thinking about desserts. 

Try not to replace your behaviour in favour of something similar to the previous one. This is an experience, an opportunity for the better. If you watch television as a way to relax, don’t switch to any other screen. Switch to reading, exercising, or anything else that might help you relax a bit.

• Change your environment

Your environment and surroundings play an important role in changing habits. It is impossible to get rid of a habit by staying in the same environment where it started from. Even though it might temporarily vanish, it will make its way back. 

Restructure your environment, so there is nothing to distract or tempt you. Or even better —- change it entirely. Start afresh, all over again. Get rid of all the junk food, limit your screen usage, throw out the alcohol and cigarettes. Create a new, better environment with the aim of progress in mind.

Once you get rid of the triggers, everything will be easier. Adopting a new environment and a new lifestyle will have a positive effect on your behaviour.

• Don’t give up

It’s natural to have slip ups. It’s okay not to nail it one go. Nothing this big is ever accomplished overnight. So don’t be upset about it. Don’t beat yourself up if things don’t go right. 

Take it as an experience and don’t stress. Wait for the adjustment process to kick in and continue the cycle. Remember that you are only human and that everything will work out eventually if you just keep on trying. You should be aware of the consequences that come with it. If you fall back into that old habit again, get up and go up.

For more related content, join now for free!