Gaelen
04-14-2006, 07:48 AM
I thought I'd combine this thread for everyone who's starting their holiday weekend a little early, or who won't be spending much time online over the weekend. ;)
Creating a new habit requires repetition, but if you're trying to change or redirect a habit that you don't like, you need to do a LOT more work. Here are some suggestions that can help both create a new habit and change an old one. Which ones have you tried? Which ones work for you?
(excerpted from "Changing a Habit," Carl Pickhardt Ph.D., copyright 2002)
STEPS TO CONSIDER WHEN TRYING TO CHANGE A HABIT
Honestly assess the harmful consequences of the habit, and then try exercising will power to give it up.
If will power fails, get social support to call on to help withstand temptation when the habitual need arises.
Commit to intentional thinking instead of automatic reacting in order to weaken the rule of impulse.
When the old habit need arises, immediately institute delay, create time to think, and put satisfaction of the habit off.
Ask the judgment questions: "Is what I feel like doing really wise to do?" "How will I feel about myself after giving into this habit once again?"
Have a constructive planned alternative in mind for when the old habit need arises.
Put this planned alternative into practice.
When, in the process of giving up a 'bad' habit, a slip occurs, don't shame or guilt yourself.
Use slips to strengthen self-knowledge and personal resolve.
Remember that just as it takes practice to make habits, it takes practicing positive alternatives to break their hold upon you.
Good holidays and good weekend, every. TGIF! ;)
Creating a new habit requires repetition, but if you're trying to change or redirect a habit that you don't like, you need to do a LOT more work. Here are some suggestions that can help both create a new habit and change an old one. Which ones have you tried? Which ones work for you?
(excerpted from "Changing a Habit," Carl Pickhardt Ph.D., copyright 2002)
STEPS TO CONSIDER WHEN TRYING TO CHANGE A HABIT
Honestly assess the harmful consequences of the habit, and then try exercising will power to give it up.
If will power fails, get social support to call on to help withstand temptation when the habitual need arises.
Commit to intentional thinking instead of automatic reacting in order to weaken the rule of impulse.
When the old habit need arises, immediately institute delay, create time to think, and put satisfaction of the habit off.
Ask the judgment questions: "Is what I feel like doing really wise to do?" "How will I feel about myself after giving into this habit once again?"
Have a constructive planned alternative in mind for when the old habit need arises.
Put this planned alternative into practice.
When, in the process of giving up a 'bad' habit, a slip occurs, don't shame or guilt yourself.
Use slips to strengthen self-knowledge and personal resolve.
Remember that just as it takes practice to make habits, it takes practicing positive alternatives to break their hold upon you.
Good holidays and good weekend, every. TGIF! ;)