Old habits can be difficult to break, but is it impossible to change your habits? Of course it is not, but it is difficult sometimes. Here are some common bad habits that I suggest you look to gradually break sooner rather than later.
Carol Morgan, TV personality, coach and lover of life, writes about the common bad habits you might want to break. Carol Morgan says that it is not just the bad habit that is a problem, but more importantly, it's the fact that you are unaware of these habits that is the real issue.
Carol says, "you can't change what you don't recognize." So, if you don't know that you have these bad habits (or put your head in the sand and ignore them), then how can anything get better? Yes, it's easier to ignore them and look the other way. But it certainly doesn't make your life better.
6 common bad habits that you might want to break sooner rather than later
1. Complaining
Even positive people complain sometimes. For example, I hate doing laundry and cooking. While I don't go around verbalizing my dislike of these tasks, I certainly do a little sigh of disgust in my head when I have to do them. But I catch myself. And then I re-frame it. I think, "Hey Carol, at least you have clothes, and water and food. That's more than most people in the world have!" That snaps me out of it. So whether you're complaining about laundry, your spouse, your boss, your kids, your money situation or anything else -- stop. Catch yourself and instead focus on what you HAVE, not what you don't. Appreciation is so important to happy life.
This brings us back to such a good habit, the habit of gratitude. Grateful people are happy people. Being grateful brings you blessings and loads of happiness. Gratitude will bring you kindness, joy and will keep you humble. These are the gratitude truths that will change you forever.
2. Multi-tasking
I am a horrible multi-tasker! But, sometimes I really wish I could do it because I often feel that I would get more done in my life if I could do 5 things at once. However, when I watch people multi-tasking (the ones who can), I notice how they are never really focused. They are not "present." They are always distracted. And honestly, I find it kind of annoying when I'm with them. I want to say nicely, "Hey, could you stop doing this, that and the other thing, and just give me your full attention for a second?" So if you're a chronic multi-tasker, think about how it might be affecting the people around you.
There is nothing more irritating than when you are trying to talk to someone and they keep glancing at their phone. Technology can get in the way of our relationships. This affects the way in which you listen to someone else too. Hearing refers to the sounds that you hear, whereas listening requires more than that. The good habit of listening can really get you noticed in your career path and is a healthy habit for all your relationships. Remove all distractions and focus on what is been said.
3. Making excuses
Let me ask you this: If a reliable psychic told you the winning numbers to the $100 million lottery, would you waste one more second before you went out and bought that ticket? Of course not! (unless you're independently wealthy and don't need the money!) So why are you making excuses in other areas of your life? If you want something badly enough, you will make sure you do everything you can to get it. So look at your life and see what you are making excuses about.
You can choose to develop habits that point you in the direction of creating your ideal life – or habits that keep you anchored to your current situation. Stop making excuse, make the decision and make the commitment to make this your year to succeed.
4. Not paying attention to what you eat
Many people are either emotional eaters or unconscious eaters. I mean, unless you're on a diet, how often do you actually count your calories? How often do you purposely think about what you put in your mouth? Or do you just mindlessly grab a bag of chips and start munching without a thought to the consequences? As we all know, there are many negative consequences to eating poorly -- from bad health to weight gain. So try to put a little more thought into what goes into your mouth. It's not that difficult once you try doing it.
Have a look at these 5 dietary habits you must make in 2016 in order to set yourself on the road to maximum health.
5. Drinking bottled water
Yes, bottled water is convenient. Yes, it's portable. Yes, we all drink it from time to time. But do you ever give much thought to not only to where it comes from (and is it really purified) but also what it does to the environment? A few years ago, I had a student do a speech on how there are so many plastic bottles that are polluting our oceans. She showed us photos of how they just gather together in the middle of the ocean, and it was shocking. So if you want a better alternative, maybe put water in some glass bottles and keep them in your refrigerator.
6. Hanging around negative people
"Birds of a Feather Flock Together." You've heard that one before. Even if you're not a negative person, you might have a friend who does nothing but complain and drag you down - and then you eventually become burned out. I call these people "Energy Vampires" because they suck all the positive energy out of you, and then you feel physically drained when you are around them (and even after you leave them until you re-charge). That's no way to live!
This is just a list to get you going. Remember, no one is prefect, changing your habits gradually can lead you to better, healthier, happier lifestyle. Why not sign up for our newsletter, or even better, join The Life Habit community and we will guide you to making this your year.
