self-improvement

It is normal to have both positive and counterproductive habits. Actions, thoughts, and emotions are developed naturally through repetition over time. However, they affect all areas of life. On the one hand, they are time savers. Not to mention how convenient it is to not think about minor issues. That in itself has the benefit of lessening stress. But they can also fall out of sync with current goals, beliefs, and principles. This article explores ways to break old habits and begin to build new productive habits. Determination is Essential Breaking one habit and developing another is not an easy feat. Habits become instinctual and initiated by circumstance. Time ingrains them into the human psyche through repetition. Without even trying, the mind and body go back to the familiar. Consequently, the first step is to be motivated to change. There will be mistakes in avoiding the status quo. It takes that motivation and determination to commit entirely to the process of building new habits. Make a firm decision to commit to the new routine. Take it slow, one step at a time, and repeat it until the change becomes as automatic as the former. Start Slow Remember that classic childhood story about the tortoise and the hare? Not all parents bought the book for their child or children. Still, no school did not feel compelled to retell it repeatedly. Consequently, most of us know the story. Both fictional animals had the same goal, but each approach differed. The rabbit went in fast and made mistakes. The tortoise took his time and won the race. The same tactic works when faced with a habit that does more harm than good. Adopt a gradual pace while taking measured steps forward. Establish Reminders Reminders reinforce behavior. It can be an alarm or a post stuck to the fridge or wall. Alarms going off all through the day can quickly grow annoying. That means it will become a habit not easily forgotten. Just the idea of hearing the bleat of the alarm will compel almost anyone to get it over with. Like that, progress happens. Hanging a note in an area of the home or office where you frequent the most is also effective. An alternative would be to post it on the computer screen. Windows has a Sticky Notes app for just that purpose. Personally, it gets plenty of use from me. Reward Success A reward can be anything, either physical or intrinsic. The idea is to encourage growth and confidence in oneself and the outcome. This method will also make building new habits more enjoyable. Ideas for physical rewards can be an outfit, a movie, or eating at your favorite restaurant. It can be as simple as a slice of cake or binge-watching your favorite television show. Intrinsic rewards can include recognition. It feels nice to know you are one step closer to your goal. The pride received from finding success in building new habits is also a form of intrinsic reward. Track Progress As with any goal, tracking progress will reveal what works and what does not. That is sufficient information to determine the necessary changes. When the goal is to build new habits, those records act as visual proof of a job well done. There are many applications dedicated to helping track progress. A journal, calendar, planner, or notebook works just as well. Be Consistent Consistency is necessary in breaking old habits. Changing makes room for building more productive routines. Persistence and repetition firmly ingrain those actions within the mind. To finally be able to reach that goal requires a sizeable investment of time. Getting to the point where new habits do not feel unfamiliar takes time. Life can derail the completion of goals. Consistency every day will strengthen the choice to change. Adapt to Circumstances One of the things that complicates the formation of new habits is that no two situations are the same. What works one day may be vastly inadequate the next. Being capable of altering plans is a part of life. Consistency entails taking action every day. But when that becomes impossible, there is no reason to be disappointed and lose sight of the goal. Behavior modification is difficult to achieve. Building new habits falls squarely into this category. After making a choice to end harmful, unproductive habits, do not hesitate. Persistently fight for it, just as with all goals. Hopefully, this article proves helpful in conquering dreams and improving life one step at a time.