Improve Your Life By Changing Your Habits

It doesn't really matter whether personal or professional, our habits will most likely dictate our success. This article explores how we develop habits, why they are important, and how we should deal with them.

Throughout our life, we develop many habits, some good and others – well...not so good. Habits arise from training, influences, observation, and practice. Many develop subconsciously, without us even realizing it.

Habits, oh those pesky habits, if only we could keep the good one and give the boot to the bad ones. Well, if one wants to improve their lives, that's exactly what one needs to do, tell their bad habits to take a hike, while securing the good habits for our continued posterity.

However, getting rid of bad habits is never that easy, especially if there's an addiction of some kind involved. And because changing habits can be so extremely difficult, there are a couple of specific steps to learn that will help lead you to change those unwanted habits.

Making excuses:

This is probably the number one problem that causes most people to get stuck in the place where they are now and don't want to be. Many people wander aimlessly through life making excuses, and when at any point these people see something complicated, often their first response is to make excuses as to why they can't directly address the problem. Yet, if you are set on improving your life, you need to realize that this is something of a hindrance to achievement and you have the power to change it.

New habits:

Making new habits begins by choosing a new habit. You must commit wholly to this new habit. A New Year's resolution might be an example “I resolve to exercise more regularly this year.” Even though some of us may find it difficult to maintain the exercise routine, we know that it is our way to living more healthy. Therefore, instead of ignoring something that will benefit your life, start telling yourself “this exercise will make me healthier.” regardless if you start out exercising for only the first couple of weeks or months, at least you are making changes. Small commitments can lead to big changes.

Stop judging:

It seems to be a common shortcoming most people in this world have. We waste time judging ourselves as-well-as other people, and it's a practice that has no constructive purpose. It creates nothing useful, only leads to chaos and confusion. It's best to realize that; you are who you are, yesterday cannot be changed, and tomorrow hasn't been written. If that seems a little cryptic let me elucidate: in other words, there's no logic in worrying about the mistakes of the past, learn from the past and make yourself & your tomorrow better through change.

Stop negativity:

Do you always see the bright side of any situation or are you a negative Nancy, always looking to the dark side (in a Darth Vader voice). Think negative?...“Who am I, I can’t change this?”, “My life is a mess.”, “I can’t take it anymore.”, “Why does this always happen to me?” If you've spent your life thinking negative and saying negative connotations, it's time to try changing your outlook on yourself & your life.

Start first by changing your inner dialog (this is what you say to yourself). You must fill your mind with positive thoughts, intentions, and attitudes. Do not allow your inner dialog to become negative...ever, for any reason, no matter how bleak you may think your circumstances are.

You have the power to make changes, yet you do not have the power to change other people. Therefore, your next step is to change the people you hang out with. Look to associate with a more positive crowd. Make friends with people doing what you want to do. Find a mentor, someone who can guide you along the path you wish to travel. Seek out anyone willing to help you, but you must be just as willing to bring something of value to the relationship, be it money, time, skills, knowledge, or whatever you can offer in return for their help.

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Start small:

When making changes to improve one's life, you will want to start small. Large-scale changes can be both difficult and traumatic, the results being short lived. It is best to take baby steps to success. Too many times people try to change everything overnight. This usually only leads to frustration.

Seek/Accept support:

Possibly the most critical aspect of successfully implementing change is positive feedback and support from those closest to you. This doesn't have to be a solitary journey, you don't have to make the trip alone. When working to change your life and habits, make sure you seek support and feedback from any and all sources available. Besides family & friend, and colleagues, feedback can be found at your library, the Internet, at colleges, and so on. Asking those you trust to support you and give you feedback when needed is a priceless asset you should never overlook.

The first key to success in making change is to stop making excuses. Learn to recognize the truth, because the truth is the only answer that leads to improvements in your personal life. Once you learn to see the truth, you only need to commit yourself to learning new behaviors and habits. Stop judging yourself, especially negatively. Take things slow at first, baby-steps to start, and finally learn to depend & rely on your support system to provide you feedback on how you are progressing.

Well I think that just about wraps it up,

BE WELL MY FRIENDS,
Christopher Gibson

P.S. Change requires strength. Strength of mind and body. Yet it’s not always possible to get all the vitamins and nutrients that our minds & bodies need for proper functioning and optimum performance from the food we consume. It’s Vital to ensure that you get your complete nutritional requirements every day.