And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
What
traits would you say you need to improve? How would you like to improve them and why?
BREAKING
BAD HABITS IMPROVES CHARACTER
Many of us consider things about ourselves that we
would like changed; whether it be the way we look, what we do, or how we live.
However, few of us consider our behaviors as topics for change; that is, until
someone else challenges us about them. Mutiwaseka suggests
that changing one’s habits requires that he or she “understand what it is, how it works, and how to break it”.
Although some habits are good, other behaviors might
be unproductive, disruptive, destructive or unhealthy and are considered bad habits.
If you don’t want negative influences to “dictate
your life,” then you have to change in healthier or more productive ways.
Mutiwasekwa (2021)
Research suggests the following actions might
help break bad habits:
- Become aware of your pattern.
- Stop the behavior and persevere through
the tendencies to start again.
- Change your routine. Replace bad habits
with good ones.
- Take small steps if you can’t stop all at once
and be persistent.
- Measure and track your progress.
- Recognize good habits and acknowledge accomplishments.
You can overcome undesirable patterns,
but “you will continually be tempted to return to your old ways and risk
succumbing to your old habits.” Perseverance through temptations builds
character. Don’t give up!
References:
Mutiwasekwa, S.
(2021). 5 Ways to Overcome a Bad Habit. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-upside-things/202102/5-ways-overcome-bad-habit
Online
Bible: Romans 5. Retrieved from: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Change-And-Growth
I love what you are doing for this generation of leaders. This particular blog is a reminder to me that I must change my habit of not getting appropriate rest: Not setting and sticking to a set schedule for nightly slumber. I know this would help my mood, mind, and physical health, but I keep repeating the destructive pattern of breaking my commitment to myself. With prayer, action, and commitment I will begin going to bed at a reasonable time to obtain the appropriate rest my body deserves.
ReplyDeleteI agree that proper rest is beneficial and that our behaviors can sometimes interfere with that. Adjusting those habits will ultimately put our mind in a state of peace and rest. Thanks so much for commenting. Good T
DeleteShort straight to the point. True, negative or positive repetitiveness behaviors will change the daily outcome of one's behavior or change a situation towards oneself or others over time. If the individual(s) practice self awarenesses of the negative or positive behavior (s) demonstrated at the time of the non verbal or verbal action or comment.. Lady Y
ReplyDeleteThank you for the input. Bad behaviors can be adjusted through awareness and purposeful actions to change. Sip, sip
DeleteThank you Dr P for providing some words of wisdom on breaking bad habits. I could surely benefit from breaking a few bad habits I have, one of which is procrastination when it comes to getting things completed. I will certainly take your advice and try to improve in this area. Baby steps….😊
ReplyDeleteYes, stalling. delaying or putting off things that you should be taking care of can be problematic; especially when it causes you to miss important dates or deadlines. It could also prove unhealthy if you procrastinate to change eating, drinking or getting that much needed medical exam. In which case, I hope anyone's intention to address a procrastination habit will happen sooner than later. Sip, sip
DeleteThis is so true.It is really hard to admit that we have habits that need to be dealt with .Thank you for this interesting piece . Sometimes we feel if we’re not hurting anyone we can let the habit lay dormant. I pray that the Holy Spirit would show us all things that need to be changed and we make that change Thank You Dr.P
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining this t-time Cleo!
DeleteI agree that some of us take on the "it's not hurting anyone" mentality, but it's not entirely true. A bad habit of not being dependable, responsible or accountable can hurt others and really should be addressed before it makes it difficult to restore what's damaged. Let's sip on this one...
Can I say ouch!!! O my this is REAL TALK... Its like saying you want to change, but you haven't made any attempts to change. For every new direction, there has to be a step of letting go. Thank you 😊
ReplyDelete
Delete" For every new direction, there has to be a step of letting go." I imagined what you stated as spot on, because you cannot move in any direction without the willingness to leave the place you currently are! Sip on this one... Thanks for sharing
Thank you Dr P I really needed this insight. I have been struggling with a not so healthy routine that I am trying to break. Familiarity is a strong hold I have been thinking about this for a while and I believe filling voids is a good place to start to breaking any bad habit, addiction and strong holds. Change only comes when you have
ReplyDeleteacknowledge you have a problem and the next step is deciding to get help.
Thanks for your input Tasha,
DeleteYour comment that "Change only comes when you have
acknowledge you have a problem and the next step is deciding to get help" is key to addressing any problem. You cannot find a solution if you don't first identify what problem needs to be addressed. Change is intentional and it may become harder to do the longer it continues to go unaddressed. Sip, sip