How to Gain Control of Your Own Habits
Habits are daily decisions that people decide to make. They are usually made so often because they present some sort of reward for people. For example, those who procrastinate can enjoy free time instead of doing work. Those who have made a habit of eating fast food can save time because they do not have to make their own food at home. Those who workout become more fit and are often energetic because of the release of feel good hormones that comes with exercise. Because of these benefits, habits, both good and bad, are often very hard to change. Thus, they end up shaping our lifestyles. This is why it is very important to conscientiously keep track of which habits we want to keep in order to create the most ideal lifestyles for ourselves.
How to Get Rid of Bad Habits and Gain Good Ones
All habits are structured by the 3 “R”s: Reminder, Routine and Reward. Reminder is the signal that triggers the habit. Routine is the actual habit occurring. Reward is the benefit you gain from the habit that was discussed in the introduction. By understanding this cycle you can create schedules or routines for yourself that can help you form better habits. Below are tips to keep in mind when creating these schedules.
As indicated by the third “R”, all habits are a source of benefits for people. As a result, getting rid of bad habits is extremely hard. So, instead of trying to get rid of the source of a certain benefit. You can replace that source of bad habit with a better habit. For example, procrastinating can help people enjoy activities that are not boring or laborious like real work. Instead of procrastinating the work, you could instead take strategic breaks to give your brain a break from the task.
Another tip is to remove yourself from the environment that triggers your habit. For example, if you have a habit of eating fast food and McDonalds is on your way to work, then change your route slightly to avoid the temptation of making a purchase there. If you tend to procrastinate because you can’t resist the temptation of surfing the internet then remove all your devices from your workspace while you work. Making changes like these will keep you from returning to your old habits and help you keep better ones.
It is also advised to change your habits slowly and patiently. For example, if you are trying to become more fit you should start with 5 squats per day. This goal for some people is very easy to accomplish and thus, very hard to break. By gradually increasing goals your body and mind will more easily get used to the new habits you wish to keep.
Making specific goals will also help you change your habits. For instance, notice how in the previous paragraph, the example stated “5 squats” instead of a “few squats”. By using definite words instead of vague ones, you give yourself little room for mistakes.
Even with this tactic, it is possible that you will stray from your schedule a couple of times. But remember, this doesn’t mean that you are weak or have little willpower. The only thing it shows you is that you are human and you will make mistakes like this once in a while. The more important thing is how quickly you are able to return to your schedule. Try not to miss one of your goals more than 4 or 5 times in a month and try to get right back on track after one of these misses.
Creating good habits might take some time, but always looking ahead to your final goal, the ideal lifestyle you want to have can help you keep your priorities in check and achieve your goals. Once your schedules become second nature, you can gain great habits that will help you maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle.
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