Are you spending more time on the internet and not enough time dreaming or actually “living” your life. Do you shop more and save less? Perhaps you struggle to see the glass as refillable. Bad habits are the easiest to identify because we typically feel guilty either during or after them.
Often new habits are formed when we make small improvements for our overall well-being, whether that’s healthy eating, positive thinking or exercising. However, habits are more than just a form of self-care. They can shape our identities and help us achieve major career goals. This is an idea behavior-change expert James Clear covers in his recent book Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. When we want to make a career move—whether it’s getting a promotion, changing companies, or starting a business—we’re not just taking actions to achieve a goal, we are becoming a new person.
To change your habits for greater clarity, productivity and results, implement these three steps:
(1) REPEAT your new habits. Consistency is key. Studies show it takes at least 21 days to eliminate a bad habit and create a new, positive habit. Discipline is the bridge between goals and achievement. Repetition will make new habits a reality.
Bad habits are powerful because you don’t even think about them. You just do them.
(2) REPLACE your bad habit with something else. For instance, if you‘re trying to be more positive,when negative thoughts arise recite affirmations or inspirational quotes. Perhaps your goal is to eat healthier. Substitute those salty high calorie snacks with fruit. Think about what your bad habit gives you and find a replacement that provides the same benefit. You have to be purposeful.
Habits don’t have a lot of thought behind them – they’re almost like reflexes.
Bad habits are like a comfortable bed. They are easy to get into but hard to get out of. But IT IS POSSIBLE to achieve what you believe and work for.
