Breaking Unwanted Habits: 11 Tips to Create Lasting Change

Everyone has habits – some good, some bad. Whether it's a habit of biting your nails, smoking, or overspending, we all have unwanted habits we'd like to break. But how do you make lasting change? It's not easy, but it is possible. In this article, we'll give you eleven tips to help you break unwanted habits and create lasting change. With a bit of effort and dedication, you can become the person you want to be and break those habits that have been holding you back.

Identify Your Unwanted Habits

The first step to breaking unwanted habits is to identify them. This can be a difficult task since we often don't want to admit that we have a problem. But it's important to be honest with yourself in order to create lasting change. Take some time to think about your behaviour and make a list of the habits you want to break.

Create a Plan to Break Your Habits

Once you've identified your unwanted habits, it's time to create a plan to break them. Start by setting achievable goals and breaking them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, if you want to break your habit of smoking, your short-term goal might be to cut down to one cigarette a day, while the long-term goal would be to quit smoking completely. Make sure to keep track of your progress and celebrate your successes, as this will help you stay motivated and on track.

In addition to setting goals, it's important to have a support system. Find someone who will help you stay accountable and encourage you when you're feeling discouraged, such as a friend, family member, or even a therapist.

First off, you have to identify what is defined as a bad habit. Here are some of the most common bad habits many of us are guilty of doing.

Smartphone Addiction

Smartphone addiction is a common problem in today's world. We often find ourselves mindlessly scrolling through our phones for hours on end, which can be detrimental to our mental and physical health. In order to break this habit, it's important to set boundaries for yourself. For example, try to limit your phone usage to a certain amount of time each day. It's also a good idea to find alternative activities that can help you disconnect from your phone. This could be anything from taking a walk to reading a book. The key is to replace your phone time with something that will bring you joy.

Smoking

Smoking is a difficult habit to break, but it is possible. The first step is to create a plan to cut down on your smoking. For example, you can get started by planning out how many cigarettes you're going to cut down by each day and then create a timeline for when you want to reach the goal of stopping altogether. Additionally, you can also utilise nicotine replacement as a tool to help you quit by using disposable vapes such as a vape pen. If you're not familiar with vape pens and want to know more about what they are and how they can help you quit smoking, check out this article from Grey Haze Online called "What Are Disposable Vapes?"

Being Late all the Time

Being late all the time can be a difficult habit to break. To make lasting change, it's important that you identify the root cause of your lateness. Are you having trouble managing your time? Do you have difficulty getting up in the morning? Once you've identified the cause, it's time to create a plan to fix it.

Start by setting realistic expectations for yourself. If you're having trouble waking up in the morning, set your alarm for earlier and gradually adjust it as needed. It's also important to give yourself plenty of time to get ready. This could mean planning ahead and packing your bag the night before or setting out your clothes for the next day.

Drinking too Much

Drinking is an integral part of our culture, and many people enjoy going on nights out with friends or watching sports in the pub with the family. However, drinking too much can have serious consequences on your health and relationships. If you're trying to break this habit, start by setting a goal for yourself. For example, you might decide to limit yourself to three or four drinks when you go out or try to only drink on certain days of the week. Additionally, if you're struggling to moderate your drinking, it might be a good idea to speak to your doctor about getting a referral to a help centre or counsellor that can help you.

Procrastinating

Procrastination can be a difficult habit to break, but it's possible. The first step is to identify why you're procrastinating. Is it because you don't want to do the task? Or is it because you're overwhelmed by the task? Once you've identified the root cause, it's time to start making changes. Start by breaking down the task into smaller, more manageable steps. This will make it easier to focus on one step at a time and prevent you from becoming overwhelmed. You can also set deadlines for yourself and reward yourself for meeting them. Finally, make sure to give yourself plenty of breaks throughout the day and don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up.

Trying to do too Many Things at Once

If you're always trying to do too many things at once, it can be difficult to stay focused and productive. To break this habit, start by focusing on one task at a time and giving it your full attention. Additionally, try to set realistic goals and timelines for yourself. You should also take regular breaks throughout the day to help you stay focused and motivated.

Blaming Mistakes on Others

Blaming mistakes on others can be a damaging habit, both to yourself and to relationships. To break this habit, start by recognising when you're blaming someone else and taking responsibility for your actions. Additionally, try to think about the bigger picture and how your actions will affect the people around you. Finally, try to find ways to learn from your mistakes and move on.

Starting Hobbies and Quitting them Within a Week

It can be difficult to stick to a hobby for a long period of time, especially if you're prone to starting new hobbies and then quitting them within a week. To make sure your hobby sticks, it's crucial that you set realistic goals and expectations. Don't expect to become an expert overnight, as this can lead to disappointment. Instead, focus on small goals and celebrate each success. It's also important to find activities that you enjoy. If you're not enjoying your hobby, you won't be motivated to stick with it.

Reward Yourself for Successes

It's important to reward yourself when you've achieved a goal or made progress on breaking an unwanted habit, as this will help keep you motivated and on track. The reward doesn't have to be extravagant; it can be something small like a piece of chocolate or a movie night. It's also important to remember to celebrate the small victories. Don't wait until you've achieved your ultimate goal to reward yourself. Instead, celebrate each step of the way and remember to be patient with yourself, as breaking habits takes time and effort.

Bottom Line

Breaking unwanted habits is a difficult but achievable goal. It's important to identify unwanted habits, create a plan to break them, and reward yourself for any successes you have. With dedication and hard work, you can make lasting changes and become the person you want to be.