How to Break a Bad Habit

No matter what your vice, you can control it without feeling the loss. Set yourself up for success by utilizing these easy tips.

MENTAL CONTROL - Never tell yourself you cannot have something (food, cigarettes, etc.) Always tell yourself you can have it, but you are choosing not to have it right now. For example, in the grocery store, I walk right past the salami and tell myself that I will buy it next time. Then I focus on what is on my list. If you are trying to beat cigarettes, keep a pack in your shirt pocket or purse. Know that you do not need to have one. You have control of yourself.

FORGE NEW PATHWAYS IN YOUR BRAIN - Stop yourself right in the beginning. As soon as you have the urge, stop and busy yourself with something else that you like to do or need to do. Make lists of things that you can distract yourself with, just in case you can't think of anything at the moment. For example, phone calls that you need to make, exercise, planning a party, etc.

AVOID THE BAD INFLUENCES - You may need to permanently rid yourself of some of your so called friends. You can live without them. Psychologically drop yourself in a new city and begin making new friends. Join some clubs or groups (bunko, book clubs, dance clubs, etc.) Completely cut out the old friends, later you will realize that the only thing you had in common was your bad habit.

STOP FEELING SORRY FOR YOURSELF - No matter what your lot in life there is someone out there that has it worse than you, so no whining. As a matter of fact do not talk about the vice your are giving up. Put it in your past. Do not dwell on it. If someone asks you about it, just say that you quit and that it was easy and you don't even think about it anymore.

If you fall off the wagon, get back up immediately, do not dwell on your mistake. Start again and forget that you ever made a mistake. You can do it!