This year I’ve been very quietly knocking over quite a few bad habits. See, I figured that trying to ‘change myself’ overnight wasn’t working, so I decided to simply focus on one habit at a time and see how I went with that.
I’ve been going really well.
My latest ‘big habit’ bust has been kicking a 20 year diet coke habit. Nasty stuff – both the coke and the habit. That was three months ago, so it’s only now that I feel safe saying that I’m over that one. Done and dusted. Which means I was ready to move onto my next habit… snacking at night.
Well, I’m up to day 9 of that one and things are going very well. In fact, I’ve been so chuffed with all the progress I’ve made this year that I’m in the middle of writing a big ‘how to break a bad habit’ kind of post. I got halfway when I realised that the biggest key for me has been learning that all willpower really is is distraction. Nobody ever succeeded just sitting on the couch willing herself through tough times. I don’t think it works like that.
So apart from forgiving myself for years of ‘not having enough willpower’ (ie, thinking that I was weak and unworthy), I’ve made a list of all the ways I distract myself when my bad habit is calling to me. Coooome baaaack, Bronny, my bad habits call. Cooooome baaaaaaack to meeeeeeeee. They are rather ghost-like my bad habits.
But I say no and instead of testing myself by saying no and then just hanging out there waiting for the bad habits to twist my arm, I get up and do something else instead. I distract myself and you can too. Just click on the 24 ways to distract yourself image below to download your printable pdf.
If you’re trying to kick a bad habit, this poster needs to be blu-tacked up in a prominent position close to where the bad habits call. Mine is currently on my fridge. If you don’t like the first thing that catches your eye, simply go to the next or possibly the next. Something will grab you enough to help you forget about the eerie voices calling you back into your bad habit chaos. Oh, go away voices, this minute!
Don’t forget to add your own favourites: maybe you’re a knitter or a crocheter or some other kind of wooly worker? Maybe you like doing push ups or star jumps or cartwheels? Perhaps colouring in is your (mystifying) preference? Whatever it is, write it straight onto your poster so you’ve got your best go-tos ready-to-go!
Maybe this chart will convince you that you are strong and good and worthy too? Think of distraction as willpower with momentum!
What’s your current ‘bad habit’ that just needs to GO?
Heather says
Checking Facebook CONSTANTLY. It creates this feeling of stress in my chest but I still keep checking it!!!
Maxabella says
Argh, STOP THAT THIS MINUTE! Remove the Facebook app from your phone… big start there. x
Zoe Meunier says
I feel like mine’s more that I have to adopt more good habits than breaking bad ones… like being more organised, doing more exercise, being more mindful. And all right, yes, less time on social media…
Maxabella says
I must just be a really negative person, ‘cos I read these as “stop procrastinating’! 🙂
Social media is a big one for everyone. I think I’ve got a pretty good balance there. Facebook doesn’t grab me the way it does some. Maybe I just don’t have particularly interesting friends… (this is not true). x
Julie @ Off to the park says
Hehehe love the poster Bron! Checking Facebook has become a bad habit for me lately. 🙂
Maxabella says
Facebook seems to be a curse lately, Julie!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
That printable is awesome! I love it! Who knew distractions could be so much fun? I need to step away from the screen a lot more. I’m working on it…
Maxabella says
Distractions are MUCH more fun than a screen, Sammie, or at least a lot more fulfilling. I really believe that. x
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
What a great poster of distractions. I distract myself at night to avoid getting snacks too – it is a hard habit to crack and distraction is the only way I can cut back. That and a herbal tea helps too.
Maxabella says
Herbal teas have been a big saviour for me all year. The night snacking is DEFINITELY a tough habit to break, but I am getting there. My best to you too. x
Babs - Patchwork Cactus says
Instagram is mine, I am totally addicted.
Maxabella says
How much time do you reckon doing Instagram well takes up each day, Babs? It’s one area of social media that I am definitely behind on…