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Five Steps to Change Bad Habits Into Good Ones - Part 3
 
By James Claiborn, PhD

Feb. 10, 2011                                                                                                Issue 554  
Summary of this article
 
This is Part 3, the last of the suggestions on how to change a bad habit. Your spouse surely knows he or she didn't marry a perfect person, but if you keep eliminating all the bad habits, you'll get close enough to perfection to find way more happiness and love than you need.

Jim 
 

Five Steps to Change Bad Habits Into Good Ones - Part 3

 

By James Claiborn, PhD 

 

Habits are all acquired behaviors that you do often and automatically, and are difficult to change. That's especially true of bad habits.

 

While it can seem impossible to break free of their pull, you can do it with careful thought and some work. 

 

WHERE TO START 

 

Make a list of the habits that concern you.

 

With list in hand, consider what each habit is doing for you. There is always a reason we hold on to a habit. The more you understand any habit, the better you can deal with it. 

 

(Continuing from yesterday...Jim)

 

4. BUILD GOOD HABITS 

 

Good habits are the most effective competing responses there are. Whatever challenge you decide to take on, don't get paralyzed worrying if it is exactly the right thing. Just do it. You can always make adjustments later.

 

Keep in mind the advantages of making this change, and the disadvantages you would face if you didn't make it.

 

Finally, you're more apt to meet with success if you keep it simple and convenient. 

 

Example: You've decided to stop watching so much television and instead become more physically fit. Rather than joining the elaborate gym 40 minutes from your home, go for the no-frills gym that is five minutes away. 

 

Remember, while the payoff for good habits is long term, it takes time to reach it.

 

Try to stay inspired on the journey by making a list of reminders about what you are doing and why.

 

Keep a journal of your progress. Writing is a powerful way to reinforce efforts.  

 

Strategy: Add to your sense of accomplishment by putting colored stars next to your markers of improvement. 

 

5. EVALUATE LAPSES 

 

Sometimes you'll slip. If you remember that a lapse does not a relapse make, your bounce back will be easier.

 

Evaluate what was going on at the time of your lapse, and what thoughts or situations triggered your behavior.

 

Learn from it and you'll be stronger the next time.

 

_______________________________________________________ 

 

 

God bless your family and your marriage.

 

Jim Stephens


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