Breaking bad habits and making good habits in 30 days

Added Wednesday 24.06.2009

Breaking bad habits and developing good habits is often easier said then done. However, if we think of decisions to change our lives and change habits in a smaller period rather than an infinite space of time these changes become easier to manage. It has been be debated about the period of time it takes to create or break a habit, some say 21 days, some say 30 days, but 30 days is usually a good rule of thumb. If we focus on a period of 30 days and forget about the rest, by the time 30 days have been you are in a lot better position. The new habit is well established and no longer a challenge to maintain that new habit. It is also said that we often resist permanent change, so by working on a shorter time period or even thinking as the 30 days as temporary it can make things easier.

It is also good to remember to be smart and realistic about setting goals to establish or break habits. If it is a goal to lose weight almost starving yourself for 30 days is not sustainable, and well probably end in an eating binge at the end of the 30 days. However, if you decide to establish sensible eating habits chances are the outcome will be ten times better. At the end of the 30 days you are more likely to continue with the new habit and you can always add more habits (exercising, less drinking, less smoking etc) that will continue to improve and evolve your lifestyle.

Also, good habits are better than bad ones (really? yes). Establishing a good habit is better than trying to eliminate a bad habit. Think of it as trying to be positive rather than trying to stop a negative. When we are trying to stop being negative often we just focus on the negative aspect and end up keep doing it. So if you can establish a positive alternative and replace the bad habit rather just eliminate the bad habit all together it will be much easier.

Some simple tips for making new habits are:

1. Don't make them too ambitious, be realistic and sensible.

2. Don't make them too vague, be clear in what your goal is.

3. Have a plan, not just an end result in mind.

4. Have a realistic time frame, and have a set period for achieving the end result.

5. Have a positive goal, replace bad habits, don't just eliminate them.

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