 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
Signs of the Times Australia / NZ edition — lifestyle, health, relationships, culture, spirituality, people — published since 1886 |
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Signs of the Times Australia / NZ edition — lifestyle, health, relationships, culture, spirituality, people — published since 1886 |
||||||||||
Q: I admit I enjoy my bad habits but lately I've been feeling trapped by some of them as though I've been enslaved. I don't like this feeling and would rather be free. Is it ever possible to break a bad habit and if so, how?
A: Yes, it’s possible. Here’s how: Recognise the habit has a strong hold on you. It may even be controlling your life. So, claim ownership of yourself and put yourself firmly in charge.
Admit this may mean getting help. Some habits are too strong to overcome alone.
Agree that the habit is your enemy and choose to hate it. Refuse any longer to see it as your friend, your support or source of comfort. Because the habit always works against you, you must choose to stop loving it. If you continue to defend and indulge it or make excuses for it, you can’t succeed in breaking it.
Look for other behaviours, substances or foods that appeal to you that you can substitute for the bad habit. While the bad habit is hurting you, the substitutes must be wholesome and be better and more desirable than the bad habit.
Bad habits are often associated with lifestyle activities that serve to reinforce them. This calls for change so there is less back-up for the bad habit. Note the smoker who tries to quit tobacco while still relaxing in his smoking chair drinking coffee. He will find success more readily if he walks around the block instead, and drinks a glass of water on his return.
Breaking bad habits is hard work. It takes resolve and self-discipline. It isn’t for wimps! So when you have some measurable success, reward yourself.
Use a means other than a renewed indulgence in the bad habit!
Where do you go for help? God is the first resort. People breaking bad habits tell me prayer helps more than anything. An inner strength comes from this source that isn’t to be found anywhere else.
Next, wise friends who listen and understand can support you. These are friends who work with you as you resist the habit. They encourage you and cheer you on in your efforts to overcome it. Finally, professional programs and skilled counsellors can guide you.
Extract from Signs of the Times, November 2003.
Home - Archive - Topics - Podcast - Subscribe - Special Offers - About Signs - Contact Us - Links
Copyright © 2006 Seventh-day Adventist Church (SPD) Limited ACN 093 117 689
Unassociated
advertisement:
This article comes from a
regular column in
Signs
of the Times.
Questions to Deanna should be addressed to: Lifeguide, Signs of the Times, 3485 Warburton Highway, Warburton Victoria 3799, Australia