According to the old adage, old habits are hard to break; and unfortunately for many of us, some of those old habits include a few “bad habits” we would like to get rid of. However, if you want to replace your old habits with new ones you must first get rid of all your old habits; and for some of us this is one of the hardest things to do. Yet if you take steps to learn how to make this change you will be able to reflect on your transformation in a positive way.
Too many people – for a variety of different reasons – are forced to lie to themselves, and others, about who they really are; and they believe there is no other way because of exposure during their formidable years to certain opinions, philosophies, theories, suspicions, guesses and other conclusions which have frequently been false, but nevertheless had substantial influence on the young persons’ lives. Therefore it became an almost insurmountable challenge for them to bring about the much needed change during adulthood.
This change is going to be completely up to you since we can only offer helpful tips; but it means you must be willing to try out new strategies and techniques that are designed to help you grow, because no one can cause change to occur within you except you. And when you are ready to initiate these inner changes, and put your mind to the task, you can achieve this task without help from anyone else. You can learn to build on the positive qualities that exist within.
All your innate gifts, when nurtured, will result in higher self-esteem, more confidence, trust in self, positive awareness, self-motivation and so much more. Each positive quality – or habit – you build and nurture will improve your personal life. You will have to figure out what works best for you and then take action to bring about the transformation.
For one thing, you need to decide what is making you do what you do and figure out a way to do the right thing. So if it is the people you hang out with, maybe you should find others to hang with. Maybe people from a support group or a group from your church can help you find ways to change your habits.
Among the first things you have to do however, is to stop lying to yourself about who you are and make it right. You must learn how to make good decisions by evaluating the consequences of bad decisions.
It is easier than you think. For example, would you allow a drunk person drive you home? If your answer is yes, then you would be making a bad decision that could cost you your life, or have you tossed in jail. If you are sober, why not take over the “designated driver” duties and drive the drunk person home? Especially if s/he is a friend.
Positive reflections include friends and family. If your family members are dragging you down, or your friends are holding you back, you’ll have to make a choice. The choice may include removing these people from your life. We can all live productively and happily without family and friends if need be, but one thing you don’t want is someone impeding your progress and therefore holding you back.
To develop new skills that guide you and help you to remove bad habits, try using your conscious mind. When you observe, listen and hear the things around you, you learn more than you would reading a book. Observation is the key to achievement. Observation includes self-awareness! Stand back and take a hard look at yourself; however you should not persecute or self-judge, but rather look for ways to make your life better.
Do you smoke? Smoking is the number one reason that people get lung cancer. Smoking is not good for you. If you can quit on your own, great. Yet if you need help, ask!
Do you drink excessively? Do you know the side effects of drinking excessively? If not visit the Internet and learn more about what alcohol can do to you. On the other hand, if you can control alcohol, drink three drinks per week.
Studies have shown that drinking three alcoholic beverages weekly can reduce the risks of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and so on. If you take drugs, you want to find a way to take the control of your life away from addictive drugs. All positive change begins with the individual’s willingness to bring about that change through positive action.
