Change Your Habits with Three Simple Steps by Adrean Turner

Are you spending more time on the Internet and not enough time dreaming or actually “living” your life? Do you shop more and save less? Perhaps you struggle to see the glass as refillable. Bad habits are the easiest to identify because we typically feel guilty either during or after them. 

Often new habits are formed when we make small improvements for our overall well-being, whether that’s healthy eating, positive thinking, or exercising. However, habits are more than just a form of self-care. They can shape our identities and help us achieve major career goals. This is an idea that behavior modification expert James Clear covers in his recent book Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones. When we want to make a career move—whether it’s getting a promotion, changing companies, or starting a business—we’re not just taking actions to achieve a goal; we are becoming a new person. 

To change your habits for greater clarity, productivity, and results, implement these three steps: 

1. REPEAT your new habits. Consistency is key. Studies show that it takes at least 21 days to eliminate a bad habit and create a new, positive habit. Discipline is the bridge between goals and achievement. Repetition will make new habits a reality. 
   Bad habits are powerful because you don’t even think about them. You just do them. 

2. REPLACE your bad habit with something else. For instance, if you’re trying to be more positive, when negative thoughts arise recite affirmations or inspirational quotes. Perhaps your goal is to eat healthier. Substitute those salty, high-calorie snacks with fruit. Think about what your bad habit gives you and find a replacement that provides the same benefit. You have to be purposeful. 
   Habits don’t have a lot of thought behind them—they’re almost like reflexes. 

3. REMOVE your triggers. If you smoke, stay away from the places you always smoke. If you’re trying to save money, avoid the places that tempt you to spend a lot of money. Better yet, automatically send your “shopping budget” to a savings account when you get paid. 

 Bad habits are like a comfortable bed. They are easy to get into but hard to get out of. But IT IS POSSIBLE to achieve what you believe and work for. 

This post originally appeared here on www.coachadrean.com. 

Adrean Turner is an author, certified career coach, speaker, professional development trainer, and business consultant. She leverages 23 years of experience in management, marketing, operations, teaching, and training to partner with individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations to achieve their maximum potential. For more information and inspiration from Adrean, read her book F.I.T. for Success: Fearless, Inspired, Transformed for Success. You can follow Adrean on Twitter @coachADREAN, on Facebook @coachadrean, on Instagram @coachadrean, and on YouTube @CoachAdrean.