8 Steps to Effective Habit Breaking

Knowing what to do and doing what you know are two entirely different things. We can read the books and attend all of the latest seminars but when it is all said and done, it’s not what we know that will bring us success it’s what we do; on autopilot.

Throughout our life we have been creating habits and our habits have created the life we now live. Successful habits work together to create life and poor habits work together to destroy it. Wisdom is not simply knowing this; it is doing whatever it takes to strengthen the successful habits and to destroy the poor ones.

Developing habits take time; breaking old habits and developing new ones may take even longer. We know we should exercise more, eat healthier, quit smoking, develop our financial IQ and learn how to control our anger but we don’t. Geez, why did I just eat 4 donuts? I can’t believe I lost my temper again! I really should learn how to manage my time better…. yada, yada, yada. Can I get an amen?
If you really want to change your habits and create a better life you must accept the fact that you cannot do it on your own and that you need help; after all, if you could have changed yourself, you would have by now right?

Here are a few tips that will help you succeed in breaking bad habits.

Persistence Pays

Over the years many people have asked me; “When do you stop trying and give up?” My reply is always the same, “You stop trying when you stop breathing” Just because what you are doing is not working, it doesn’t mean that you cannot succeed at the task. Rather it may just be the approach you are taking isn’t the right approach for that specific task, or it may not be the right approach for you and your personality. Of course I am not referring to things that are impossible for us because of mental or physical disabilities; those things we place our trust in God and then never give up on Him. I am referring to the realistic things that we are able to complete and for whatever reason can’t. Loosing weight, quitting smoking, earning more money, exercising, finding a mate, finding that perfect job, and things like these.

Just because you tried something a few times and didn’t succeed doesn’t mean you can’t succeed. All it means is you found another way that doesn’t work for you. Why not try a different approach and if that doesn’t work, try another and if that doesn’t work another. Keep this up until you find what DOES work for you.

Be patient
Be patient with what you are doing as well. I know many people try something once or twice and weren’t satisfied with the outcome and quit. Then use that old Cliche’ “I guess it wasn’t meant to be.” Bologna!Remember the scripture: To whom much is given, much is required? The greater the task, the more effort we have to put into it. Keep in mind the authors of Chicken Soup for the Soul got turned down by over 145 Publishers before they found the right one, Thomas Edison found almost a thousand ways that a lightbulb will not work and Colonel Sanders was in his 70s when KFC became a success; the list goes on and on. Those who succeed at a task, whatever it is are only those who didn’t quit and pressed on until the found what worked.

What have you given up on? Isn’t today a great day to start trying again? Who knows, this may the time you get your breakthrough!

“I would rather try something and find it didn’t work than try nothing and succeed”