We all have a habit of which we are not proud of. It’s not like we prefer something, but rather something which happens against our will and we cling to an annoying action. People smoke, bite their lips or chew on their nails. There are people who have much more harmful habits such as gambling and alcohol. It’s very easy to get accustomed to a habit but it is very difficult to let it go, especially when we know that it is harmful and unpleasant. Just like excessive shopping or regular borrowing money, a bad habit becomes an essential activity, but dangerous to your overall condition. So, here are ten tips and tricks for getting rid of a bad habit.
1. Take a 30-day commitment
You will need three or four weeks to develop a new habit. If you manage to get over the first few days, which are usually the most difficult, it will get easier and easier for you to make your 30-day commitment.
2. Work on it daily
It is essential to remain perseverant if you want to succeed. If your new habit is to go to the gym, do so every day for an entire month. If you just go two or three times a week, it will be very difficult for you to develop this new habit. Activities which you only undertake occasionally cannot be considered habits.
3. Start simple
Don’t try to radically change your life from day one. It will be very easy for you to dismay, if you believe things are too difficult. For example, if you want to develop the habit of studying two hours every day, start with 30 minutes every day in the first month.
4. Be perseverant
The more perseverant you are, the easier it will be to develop a new habit and get rid of a bad one. If you want to make some sort of physical exercise, do so, every day, for a month, at the same hour. When all these factors line up, it will be so much easier for you.
5. Find support
When it comes to tips and tricks for getting rid of a bad habit, support is essential. Find a friend who shares the same interest as you do and who is able to motivate you if you are feeling down. Don’t hide the decision of getting rid of a bad habit. Instead, tell your family and close friends and make sure you can count on them. Battles are not fought alone.
6. Develop a ritual
Associate that particular action with a certain action you undertake before it. For example, if you want to quit smoking, clap three time whenever you crave for a cigarette. Rituals add the feeling there is a constant in your life.
7. Accept imperfection
You cannot expect for all your attempt to be successful. You may need to go through a sequence of trial and error to finally get the result you want. You simple cannot expect for everything to be perfect from the first try. Accepting imperfection means understanding yourself and knowing what things you need to change to reach your goal and get rid of the bad habit.
8. Replace that particular need
If you are trying to get rid of a bad habit, make sure you have something that replaces the need you lost. If smoking usually helps you relax, then find another way to do so. You can go for meditation techniques, physical exercise or anything that can help you.
9. Banish temptations
You must not be tempted in the first month to try the habit you are trying to get rid of. If you want to lose weight, make sure you throw away all the junk food in the house and replace it with healthy snacks.
10. Know your benefits
The most important aspect in getting rid of a bad habit is familiarizing yourself with the benefits of your decision, and also the benefits of the new habit you are trying to develop. Read books about quitting smoking, find out the benefits of regular physical exercise and make sure they are all visible every day.
Do you know any other tips and tricks for getting rid of a bad habit? How do you manage to replace a bad habit with a healthy one?
