When I initially set out on my journey of letting go of bad habits over 2 years ago, I was quickly reminded that change is one of the most difficult things in life. Sometimes that meant distancing myself from toxic people, changing negative thought patterns, or breaking habits that had become my comfort. It took so much courage, self-awareness, and resiliency. For many people, letting go of comfortable bad habits is scary. Comfortable isn’t always healthy, but it’s familiar. And familiar is hard to let go of. But it’s in those small steps of taking action towards changing our ways that we are able to enjoy a happier, healthier life. And that’s worth it.
How Bad Habits Start
Changing bad habits oftentimes means figuring out where they started in the first place. Bad habits don’t just appear out of thin air. They oftentimes are a result of other issues, like stress, anxiety, or emotional troubles. Excessive drinking and smoking, over-eating, and self-isolation are all coping mechanisms for dealing with underlying emotional issues. As we focus on being more aware, we can see the physical, emotional, and spiritual harm our habits cause us. It’s in that awareness that we can begin to plan how to break these habits.
The Struggle to Quit Smoking
Smoking is a great example. Many people want to quit long before they even think about it. They see the damage it’s causing to their health and their lifestyle. But quitting can be such a monotonous, frustrating struggle.
Nicotine is a hard habit to break and many times it takes multiple attempts before we can successfully kick it. I believe the definition of a successful quit is often misinterpreted. It’s not about not having any setbacks, it’s about making a plan that works for us and being willing to take small steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
Vaping as a Step in the Right Direction
Vaping is not a habit most health professionals would recommend, but it has definitely given cigarette smokers a healthier option. Despite some experts claiming e-cigarettes are dangerous, they are a lot better than smoking cigarettes filled with thousands of harmful chemicals.
For many, vaping is an effective tool that helps them abstain from cigarettes. For some, it’s a stepping stone to eventually kicking nicotine altogether. By replacing one harmful habit with another, we’re telling our brains that we’re willing to accommodate our vices instead of denying them. And that takes a lot of courage. But sometimes it’s about finding a way to make our brains happier and less anxious. And if vaping can be that compromise, it might be a viable option for some.
Who Are You Anyway?
This is where the true work begins. It’s not just about substituting one habit for another. It is about changing our identity. When smokers suddenly see themselves as non-smokers, it can have a profound impact on their self-identity.
When people redefine themselves, the growth opportunities are endless. We can use this process as a springboard for overcoming other obstacles in life and making positive changes.
Change is not a linear process. There will be times of aggravation, frustration, and setbacks. We’ll slip back into old habits and want to beat ourselves up over it. That’s when we need to be kind to ourselves.
If we punish ourselves, it will just send us spiraling back into our old ways. Instead, we need to focus on our successes and realize that setbacks are a natural part of the process. We can’t be so hard on ourselves. The key is to keep moving forward.
Helping Myself
The whole self-help process is about taking back control. We are in control. We always have been. I know it’s hard to see at times, but we have the power to change. Breaking bad habits is one of the most empowering things we can do. Every day, people are quitting, letting go, and taking back control of their lives. You can be one of them.
Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. Every step we take towards a healthier lifestyle is a positive one. Celebrate your small wins, because they are small steps in the right direction. Whether you’re quitting smoking, working on your mental health, or just trying to live a healthier lifestyle, you are not alone. It’s a hard road, but the rewards are well worth it. You will become the person you’re meant to be and it will be worth every step.