TMS #025: Say goodbye to bad habits and hello to success

Read time: 4 minutes

We all have bad habits that we wish to break. Smoking, drinking, or biting your nails are all bad habits that can make you sick and less productive. Luckily, there are many ways to kick your worst habits for good.

What are habits and why we have them?

Habits are things that happen automatically when we do them over and over again. They can be good or bad, but most of the time we do them because we're used to them and don't have to put much thought into them.

Changing a habit can be scary because you have to spend more time doing something different than you're used to. But there's nothing wrong with bringing something new into your life! The key is ensuring it's not too overwhelming or difficult for yourself.

The first step in changing habits is recognizing them as they occur. This is where mindfulness comes into play. Once you know your bad habits (for example, checking social media five times every hour), try replacing them with good ones (like going for a walk). That way instead of spending all day staring at screens, you're getting some fresh air and exercise.

For this strategy to work effectively, you must ensure that whatever replaces the negative behavior has similar rewards. This replacement should require minimal effort. If it becomes easier than before, your brain will not resist. It won't say "no thanks" because the reward wasn't enough. Over time, these new behaviors should become as automatic as before. Even small amounts are adequate, such as checking social media once an hour instead of five times.

5 effective ways to break bad habits

1) Focus on the benefits of your new habit

To break a bad habit, you need to replace it with a good one. So before you think about how hard it will be, think about all the beautiful things you will gain from it: less stress, more confidence, and more energy!

2) Make a plan

A plan will help ensure that what you're trying to accomplish gets accomplished. Look at what got you started and ensure your goals aren't too big or too far-fetched. That way they'll be easier for everyone involved (you included). Lastly, it's essential to have reasonable expectations for later celebrations!

3) Be consistent

Being consistent will help you achieve your goal—and it can also be quite fun! If you're going to set up a new habit, make sure that it's easy enough for you to do regularly. Whether you take a walk every morning or read every night before bed, try to fit the routine into your schedule.

4) Set up a deadline

Set up a deadline for yourself, and make sure that you stick to it. If you're trying to lose weight, set a date on which you'll weigh yourself again and see if any progress has been made. This will help keep you motivated and on track and show what's working for you and what isn't!

5) Keeping a diary

Keeping a diary will help you to see what works for you and what doesn't—and it can also be quite fun! If you're trying to lose weight, make sure that you write down how much weight you've lost each week. So you can see progress over time.

I journal every day. If you are interested in my template, reply to this email with the subject: "10X Success Tracker". I will then send you, free of charge, the tool that I have been working with every day for years.

Good habits you must install in your life

You’re probably wondering, “What are these good habits?” That’s a very good question. Good habits make you feel good about yourself, healthy, and successful. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Exercise regularly, as much as you can

• Get enough sleep each night

• Eat healthy foods (or at least try to)

• Meditate every day for 10-30 minutes

• Set goals (journal) and work toward them every day

• Stay social with your friends

These may seem like small things, but when you do them daily, they make a big difference in your life.

How do I get started?

The best way to build good habits is by starting small and working your way up. If you’re not used to exercising, start with just 10 minutes daily. Then try increasing that amount by 5-10 minutes every week until you reach 30 minutes or more.

When you start small, it's easier to stick with the habit and build it up over time. You'll likely give up quickly if you try to do too much at once.

If you’re not used to eating healthy foods, add one new food each week. You could try eating an apple daily or drinking a glass of water with lemon first thing in the morning. These small changes will add up over time and make a big difference in your overall health.

It’s also important to ensure you set goals and work toward them daily. If you don’t have goals, staying motivated and encouraged along the way can be difficult.

How do I stick with it?

Sticking with your new habits can be difficult, but some strategies can help:

• Schedule time for your habit on your calendar. If you know when you’re going to work out or eat healthy foods, then it’s easier to stick with those plans and avoid making excuses not to do them.

• Find someone to hold you accountable. It can be easy to get distracted and forget your goals. Having a friend or family member who wants to support you can help keep you focused and motivated.

• Stay motivated by focusing on the benefits of your new habit. If you’re trying to eat healthier foods, think about how good it will feel when you lose weight or have more energy.

• Set small goals that are within your reach. Setting too big of a goal can be discouraging when you fail to meet it (which will happen). Instead, start by making one small change at a time and then build on those changes over time.

Conclusion

So, I hope that you now know what a habit is, why we have it and how to break it. You are also aware of the importance of developing good habits. Remember this: bad habits are never easy to break. But with a little effort, patience, and determination, anyone can do it! So let's go ahead and start today!

Keep Evolving,

Christian Founder - Mindtutorial

Remember: You’re just one habit away!

TL;DR

Say goodbye to bad habits and hello to success

1. Focus on the benefits of your new habit

2. Make a plan

3. Be consistent

4. Set up a deadline

5. Keeping a diary

6. Exercise regularly

7. Get enough sleep

8. Eat healthy food

9. Meditate everyday

10. Set goals and work on them daily

11. Stay social with your friends

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