Break Your Bad Habits



Here's a little quote I want you to think about.

"Improving in every area of your life to see if you can with satisfaction at the end of the day, week, month and year, say - I have made excellent progress this year, for myself, for my family, for my business, my career and my health."

-quote by Zig Ziglar

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I have a question I want you to ask yourself.

Is there any area in your life that you believe you could be doing a little better?

Most people will agree that there is something in their life that could use improvement.

So the follow-up question would be -

How do I go about making the necessary changes to achieve the results I want?



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You may find that you have tried to make changes, but for some reason you have not be able to continue.

One of the major reasons why people fail to sustain a change they have put into effect is because of habits.

The dictionary defines a habit as:

an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary

Did you know that it usually takes about 3 weeks to break a habit?

No wonder so many people don't continue with the changes they want to implement.

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Now that you have the facts lets work on breaking bad habits.

1. The first step is awareness.

You must identify the "old bad habit" you want to break.

2. The second step is to decide the "new good habit" you want to implement.

3. Step three identify all the negative factors associated with the "old bad habit & all the positive factors associated with the "new good habit."

Take a sheet of paper --draw a line down the middle - on one side list the negative factors on the other side list all the positive factors.

Why are we doing this?

Because habits are hard to break---look at the definition again.

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NOTE There are two elements that come into play.

1. Your conscious mind.

2. Your sub-conscious mind.

If you are not aware that your sub-conscious mind will automatically steer you back towards your "old bad habits"- than it is a matter of time before you give up.

Once you have the all necessary information on what can impact your success or failure -- you are in a much better position to succeed.

The list you make comes in handy when you start to feel like giving up because it seems like too much work to change.

Look at the list and reinforce your commitment to change.

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Let's try a little experiment in order to better understand habits.

Cross you arms in front of your chest. ----- Good, now notice which arm in on top & which is on the bottom.

Got it?

Now cross your arms in front of your chest -BUT --switch the position of the arms.

See how difficult it is?

The first way you crossed your arms -- has become a habit.

Crossing your arms differently can be done -but-- it will take practice, concentration, and determination.

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This is the same philosophy you must apply when you want to break an "old bad habit" and replace it with a "new good habit."

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In my July blog 2009 I listed some steps you need to take to assure you will be able to make positive changes in your life --- here is part of what I said:

NOTE—a short list of things you made need to change.

Friends {are they a positive or negative influence?}

Leisure time activities {TV shows-radio shows-reading material-phone time, internet time, bar time, etc}

Foods you eat- {healthy or not?}

What you keep your mind focused on—Your Beliefs {do they empower or not?}

***Hope you have notice that I have purposely called these steps to be taken***

which means that they may or may not happen in a day or a week.

Each one of you will march to a different drummer—BUT---if you continue to make changes and continue to take steps towards your goals—

You will get there.

As you take one small step after another you will build courage & confidence in your abilities.

Other people just like you have been able to change their lives by committing to change-----by staying motivated------so can you.

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The better prepared you are when you begin your journey of change; the better your chances of success.

I suggest that you take the time to review our Blog Archives --& take notes --so that you are better equipped for your journey.

You may have noticed that I continue to refer to the changes you are making in your life as a journey.

Well, that is exactly what it will be. You will take one step after another to reach your goal.

Sometimes you will have to make adjustment, take detours -- but if you focus on where you want to end up, nothing will be able to stop you from reaching your destination.

So keep walking.

In closing, I want to remind you the importance of continuing to fill your mind with positive, motivating & empowering material.

Get your own collection of books, videos, CD's, & motivational posters or artwork. If You cannot buy your own, than visit your local library or borrow from a friend.

Until next time, keep walking

Victor

Dare To Dream Big

One last quote --

"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending."

– Anonymous

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