![]() In picking a date, be sure to think about other events and stressors that may make keep your quit date difficult (It may not be the best idea to quit smoking right before the in-laws come to visit). The date should be realistic and one you can keep. Chose a date that is at least a week away so that you have time to complete the steps below. The benefit of the letter is that you can read it later, especially at times when you are wavering, to boost your motivation. Why do you want to stop? What effect does the habit have on your life? How much time, energy, and resources have you spent on your habit? Is it really that big of a deal? What would it be like if you stopped? What will you be able to do if you stop? One good way to really understand your habit is to create a pros and cons list for your habit and then write a letter to yourself detailing all of your reasons for making a change. First, you have to really understand your motivation to change.Fortunately, research has demonstrated several tactics that can increase your chances of success. By being “strategic”, I mean really looking at the habit and coming up with a thoughtful plan to change it. ![]() Given that, I thought it may be apropos to offer a research-supported, intervention method for helping to break a habit.īeing strategic in breaking your habits is the best way to succeed and make lasting change. Although it affords an opportunity to begin making a change, as the year progresses it gets much harder to stay motivated. The New Year, for many, serves as a time for setting resolutions and making changes. Sometimes we work together to start healthy habits and sometimes we work to stop unhealthy ones. ![]() So much of my work with kids, parents, adults, and couples involves helping people to break patterns of behavior, or habits, which interfere with their goals. By Anthony Tucci, MA, Psychological Services Pre-Doctoral Internĭo you bite your nails, smoke, spend too much money, overeat, lose your temper or play on Facebook for hours?
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