Bad habits are things that we all struggle with. But we must realize something…. they are bad for a reason. Bad habits can affect our lives in ways we didn’t plan for. Think about how your bad habits have played on your mental. Are you in a space where you seem stagnant? Do you feel like you just can’t seem to advance in life the way you hoped or imagined? Friend, your bad habits may be keeping you stagnant.
RECOGNIZE THE DAMAGE
Recently, I have noticed how the bad habits in my life were starting to block me from my blessings. The problem is, I have created these habits and didn’t realize that they impact more than just myself, they impact others. You may be habitually doing something and continue to do it because you feel that no one else is going to be harmed from it because YOU are only doing it to YOU. That thinking couldn’t be farther from the truth. There is always someone watching, someone looking up to you, someone learning from you, the list goes on. Furthermore, it is extremely harmful to hold onto bad habits when you have children. They are like sponges who soak up everything that is around them. It is extremely important to make sure that it is good habits they are soaking in. The good news is, it’s not too late to change your life.
RECOGNIZE YOUR HABITS
It’s important to change our circumstances as we begin to make different moves in our lives that require better versions of ourselves. We can’t take the old version of ourselves where God is trying to take us. We must detach from old things in order to attach to better things. The only way to do this would be to take the proper steps to changing our habits. All of the things in our lives that are holding us back have to be removed if we expect to see any types of changes our my lives. We may not even notice that certain habits are hindering us. What is it that you can remove today to aid you in starting new habits? Negative habits can range from laziness, toxic people, drug addictions, disorganization, or even as simple as a dirty room. The most important thing is to realize what those bad habits are so that they can be removed.
GO THE DISTANCE
It takes a minimum of 21 days to break a habit and create a new one. It takes time to create a habit and will also take time to break it. It is much harder for you to go up a hill than to go down the hill. The same goes for a habit, it may be easy for you to overeat, but when it’s time to limit yourself, there will require a bit more will power. For instance, Daniel in the Bible fasted for 21 days and abstained from eating certain foods, while meditating and praying. I don’t know about you but I’ve previously done this fast and you don’t know how bad your habits are and how addicted to things you are until it’s time to restrict yourself from them.
TRY IT WITH A FRIEND
What bad habits do you have in your life right now that you don’t think you can abandon? Is there maybe a friend that can join you and you both try to abandon your bad habits together? Sometimes, it is easier to overcome our habits when we have someone rooting us on and participating. Whatever it takes to get yourself on the right track, recognize that and go for it.
CHANGE YOUR MIND
Habits start in the mind, so change your mind. It’s that simple. The sooner you realize that you have a problem, the sooner you can train your mind to a healthier habit. Of course it is harder than it sounds, but the principle is still the same. We just have to re-route our minds to more positive and productive avenues. For instance, instead of me feeling depressed about something, eating a whole tub of ice cream, and crying my sorrows away, I can write a blog post or write in my journal. It is much more freeing, more productive, and way less harmful to my body. If writing is more therapeutic and less harmful to my body, then that could be one habit change I switch to. It’s as simple as changing your mind, but also knowing what you are going to direct your focuses to instead. It won’t make you any difference if you drop one bad habit and pick up another one. Know what is good and bad for you, and act accordingly.
RESEARCH YOUR WHY
Have a valid reason as to why you want to change your habits and research it to back up your motives. Research is helpful in learning more about the reasons you should stop your habits because it is supported by other research. You’re not the only one with this need to quit. It will give your mind more of a push in quitting. The more you awaken, the sooner your body will follow your mind.
Life is but a vapor. We are here today, gone tomorrow. As harsh as it sounds, we may all be speeding towards our own demise. I don’t know about you, but I want to live a long and fruitful life. I want to be able to say that I have accomplished what God set out for me. How would we be able to live out our true purposes if we have all bad habits blocking us our view. God knew us before we were even formed. He had a plan for each of us before we were even a thought. We are on a journey to walk in that purpose fully. Don’t allow bad habits to hinder you any longer. YOU are the best person that can hold you accountable. YOU have to want it for yourself. Allow your higher self to perform without your bad habits.