Tips for Breaking a Bad Habit

Breaking a bad habit can be difficult, but if you follow some simple steps it will be easier. Whether it is kicking a smoking habit, controlling eating habits or something else, you can do it.

Follow the steps below to be a success.

1. Set a date that you will quit the bad habit.

2. Start by preparing yourself. Write a list of all of the reasons you would like to quit and tape it in a place where you will read it at least once a day. More often is even better.

3. Now visualize yourself without the bad habit. If you are trying to eat less, think about how you will look once you meet your goal. Keep this image in your mind. If you want to quit smoking, think about how good you will smell and how much healthier you will be. Whatever the habit is that you're trying to quit think about how much better off you will be once you quit.

4. Practice by cutting down. It helps to have a friend or relative that is trying to quit the same habit to do it with you. Talk to them if you are having a hard time. Give each other pep talks.

5. Continue to visualize yourself completely free of the habit. Close your eyes and block out all sounds and continue to think about yourself as successful and getting through any situation that will be hard.

6. Now quit. Get all cigarettes or junk food out of the house or whatever it is that tempts you.

7. Rely on a higher power. Pray for help.

8. Keep yourself busy to keep your mind off the habit. Try a different routine during the day if possible. Put away things that will remind you of the habit.

9. Expect that you might feel depressed during this time. A loss of a habit can make you go into mourning just like the loss of a friend. If you are trying to eat less, you'll feel hungry. Eat celery and carrot sticks. For most habits, this is a good idea.

10. Replace the bad habit with a good habit. Drinking water is a good replacement for almost any habit. Sip the water slowly and enjoy it. If this doesn't work, use a toothpick.

10. After the first week, reward yourself for your success in some little way. Some ideas are going to a theatre or doing something special with the family. It could be a small item you've needed for a long time. After a month of success, reward yourself again.

11. Continue all of the above steps. Once you've kicked the habit, be proud of yourself.

I wish you all the best in meeting your goals.