Crush Your Bad Habits

Aren't you tired of wrestling with the same old habits with no relief in sight?  I am.  Since it takes twenty-one days to break a habit, we've got no time to waste. 

Today's excerpt from my upcoming hardcover book, Intelligence For Your Life: Powerful Lessons for Personal Growth, will give you the tools to get you started on crushing your bad habits today. Most of the studies I have reported on the radio show recommend not just quitting “cold turkey” when it comes to your bad habit. It helps tremendously, if you are able to substitute another action for the offending behavior. For example,

My problem:

I have had the terrible habit of checking my e-mails repeatedly while hosting the radio show. When we go to commercial, immediately I check my e-mail. Maybe I’ll get something from my bank about a pension plan. Maybe it’s yet another “exclusive offer” for some product or service I don’t need. Or maybe it actually is something important. That’s not the point. The point is that in two seconds, I’m completely derailed from the task at hand. While I’m doing the show, my heart and mind are supposed to be devoted to the next bit of relationship intelligence or the next health tip.

My solution:

I’ve replaced my e-mail checks with ten pushups. I’m not kidding. It has worked wonders. It’s simple: When the urge strikes to check e-mail, I hit the floor. Believe me, I’m not a big fan of pushups; that’s part of the reason my habit-breaking plan has worked for me. I’m twenty-one days into my plan, and my attention is razor sharp. By the way, I do check my e-mail later when it’s appropriate and it doesn’t distract my attention away from the major task at hand.

I also recommend rewarding yourself for breaking a habit. Let’s say you’re giving up your soda habit, which is basically just empty calories and sugar. If you’ve gone five days without a soda, treat yourself to dinner at your favorite restaurant. I haven’t had my daily glass of wine for nineteen days as of this writing. (I felt I was setting a bad example for my kids.) I just treated myself to a half pint of Coldstone’s coffee ice cream to celebrate. Get it? Replace the bad behavior, reward yourself with milestone treats, and don’t forget the twenty-one day rule.

Want some more tips on how to crush your bad habits?  You'll find much more in my book Intelligence For Your Life: Powerful Lessons for Personal Growth to be released in March 2008. You can pre-order your copy at half price plus receive a free concert DVD by just clicking here.

John
Email John: johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Comments

[endlesslight]

I think this is an awesome idea for breaking bad habits. THe email thing is very adicting and a real time waster- I agree. It has happened to me as well. I am going to get your book for more great advice. Another book that I have found is great is THe Four Hour Work Week. It has assisted me in my business- to enjoy life more and work less. Thank you for sharing things like that John that happens to you too. I am going to try the exercise thing- but I will do squats or ab work- thats an excellent solution.

[DIEDRE SENN]

that is the best idea i seen for breaking bad habits. i smoke and i have tried all kinds of ways to stop, i will try this and be sure to let you know of my progress. thanks. diedre