Breaking Bad Habits

It’s time to fess up — What are some of your bad habits?

Whether it’s smoking, drinking too much, procrastinating, placing the blame on others… they can be overcome!

We’ve all got them. The important part is what we do to end them.  

Within this article are 5 simple reasons for breaking a bad habit.

“If it ain’t broke, break it, and if it won’t break, then bend it.”

Bad habits. 

There is no shortage of different bad habits that people may possess. It may be the perpetual pile of clothes sitting in the corner that you always seem to put off or interrupting others when they’re speaking. It may be that you time your exit so that others have to do the clean up or making promises that you never intend to keep. Now is the time to put an end to these toxic behaviors. And no, we’re not waiting until it’s time to make them our New Year’s resolutions. 

Why? 

1.  You’re not being fair to others. 

One of the great universal rules that I fully believe in says that you get back what you put out there. You can’t expect others to be kind and considerate to you when you aren’t willing to treat them with the same courtesy. Start by putting considerate and kind vibes out — pick up the dishes, respond to that client email honestly, actually listen while others are speaking to you. Have you actually ever tried to actively listen? It’s a tough job.

2. You’re not being fair to yourself.

I’m sure you’re a nice person who takes pride in having generous and warmhearted traits. Don’t let the little bad habits wield the power that they have now (or will soon have). These seemingly insignificant habits can be toxic on marriages, relationships with friends and family, affect your team at work, etc. What is toxicity? Are YOU toxic? Are your closest relationships toxic?

3. Your success depends on it.

Bad habits will take their toll one way or another. They can build and build until you are at a point of no return. Take procrastination, for example. You may think it’s okay to put off that report or client meeting, but if this becomes a habit it will keep you from building reliability, connecting with clients or team members, and before you know it you may lose a client or be passed up for that promotion you were after. 

4. You probably don’t like being on the other end of a bad habit yourself.
Do you honestly want to be sitting around waiting for a report that someone said they would have to you two days ago? Absolutely not. So why do this to others? Lead by example and end your bad habits. Remember, a leader is much different than a manager.

5. List your own reasons.
Be 100% sincere here. You know you have your own reasons for eliminating your toxic behaviors. What is this behavior costing you? What do you have to gain by getting rid of them? I guarantee you the benefits by far outweigh the costs.

SO WHERE DO YOU BEGIN?

It’s no secret that habits can be difficult to rid ourselves of. They are known for creeping up on us and making themselves part of our everyday life.

Here are some tips for breaking these bad habits:

Start Small

It is probably not reasonable to expect yourself to quit overnight. Let’s identify what might constitute a small step in the right direction. Write it down and follow through with this over the next 21 days. For example, if you’re drinking at home, at client meetings, in the office… let’s maybe say that you cut out drinking at client meetings at first. Besides, it’s always better to have a clear head when conducting business.

Commit

Make a promise to yourself. Reinforce it! Use punishment if it works for you. Decide on what you can reward yourself with that will not only avoid the behavior you’re trying to end but also promote a better habit to replace it. 

Identify Alternatives 

Think about the alternatives. If there is a quick fix or solution that may help, let’s utilize it! If you have trouble with procrastinating because of organization, buy yourself a planner (Project EVO) or invest in a platform designed for this exact task such as Monday, Slack, etc.

Get Help 

A lot of people find they are more successful when they are held accountable. Try finding someone who is trying to overcome a habit themselves and keep each other on track. 

Ask for Feedback

Ask for feedback from your peers frequently. Don’t assume that no news is good news. Be sure to get praise when praise is due.