5 Ways to Overcome Bad Habits

You’re kidding, right? You do have a bad habit, so really, this is for you!

Bad habits significantly impact our lives and prevent us from reaching our full potential. Whether it’s smoking, overeating, procrastination, or any other undesirable behaviour, overcoming bad habits can be challenging. However, with determination, strategies, and support, it’s possible to overcome them. Even more importantly, the Holy Spirit is our only 100% assurance. This article will explore 5 effective ways to overcome bad habits.

Bad habits may vary from person to person, or depending on the situation.

Examples

1. Cleaning your soiled hands with your dress instead of a napkin (especially if you’re a housewife)
2. Swimming in cold weather
3. Picking your nose every day and everywhere 😖
4. Biting your fingernails all the time!
5. Urinating in every corner (especially as a male)
6. Lack of self-control (food, sex, drinking, gossiping, drugs, etc)
7. Sabotaging yourself in the face of great opportunities

You can add the rest to the list…..🙄

Read Also: 5 Ways to Deal with Stress, Anxiety and Depression

Good habits could be:

1. Reading and meditating on the Bible every morning
2. Reading self-help books
3. Watching inspirational movies
4. Going out with family and friends who build you up instead of hanging out with bad company
5. Taking yourself out on a date to the movies or a nice restaurant
6. Limiting social media interactions to specific times of the day

Add the rest, as usual….🙄

Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity: God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is real; He is the Comforter, and He gives us strength to appropriate the guidance of God in our lives. Yeah, He goes way deeper than any human connection or comfort can.

I think you’ll be more familiar with this analogy.

Let’s say you have to make a crucial decision, and while weighing two options, you know deep down that one of them is probably not the right thing. In movies and animations, this is portrayed as a little angel or devil hovering around the ears or shoulder of a person. That still small voice that urges you to make the right choice is from the Holy Spirit.

Read More: Who is the Holy Spirit? 5 Things You Need to Know

If you want complete, forever healing, then you NEED Him!

NB: He is not a genie or magic wand, so you better allow Him to help you by cooperating with Him.

Now, let’s look at 5 Additional Ways to Overcome Bad Habits

1. Self-awareness

You cannot fight something you are not even aware exists. When you have finally realised it, you need to acknowledge that it’s sucking the life out of you enough to want to TAKE ACTION.  You have to take time to understand why you do what you do, which will help you find a solution. You can get professional help from a psychologist or consult trusted friends and relatives.  A great option is also to note down the triggers or patterns you discover, as well as the feedback you receive from others, to help in your growth process. 

2. Set clear goals

Be more specific, quantify them if you can, and break them down. Don’t be overly ambitious. Vague goals like “I want to stop smoking” or “I want to eat healthier” are less effective than precise goals such as “I will quit smoking by cutting down to one cigarette a day for the next two weeks and then quitting altogether” or “I will eat a salad for lunch three times a week instead of fast food.” Clear goals give you a roadmap to follow and make your progress measurable.

Read More: 6 Undeniable Characteristics of Ghanaians that Need Improvement

3. Overcome bad habits with positive habits

I learned from a renowned preacher that it takes about 21 days to form a habit. I also realised that replacing bad habits with healthy ones is way easier than just trying to break the bad habit at a goal.

Breaking a bad habit can leave a void in your daily routine. For example, if you’re trying to quit smoking, consider replacing smoking breaks with short walks or deep breathing exercises. If you’re trying to overcome procrastination, create a daily to-do list and reward yourself with a small treat after completing tasks. By substituting a positive habit, you not only eliminate the negative behaviour but also create a healthier, more fulfilling routine.

4. Find a support system

You cannot do this on your own. Seek support from friends and family members who can offer encouragement and accountability. Sharing your goals with others creates a sense of responsibility, making it less likely for you to slip back into your bad habit. Additionally, consider enlisting the help of a therapist or counsellor who specialises in habit change, as they can provide expert guidance and strategies.

5. Practise patience and persistence

Breaking a bad habit is rarely a linear process. You may experience setbacks and relapses along the way. It’s crucial to practise patience and not be too hard on yourself. Instead of viewing a slip-up as a failure, consider it a learning opportunity. Identify what triggered the relapse, and use that knowledge to make adjustments to your strategy. Remember that change takes time, and persistence is key to overcoming bad habits successfully.

Read Also: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Outside of the Holy Spirit, there can be no real change. Do you know Him?

If not, here’s how:

Accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour by saying this prayer.

Lord Jesus, I know that I have sinned and that You are the only way to the truth and a life of total transformation. Thank you for dying on the cross to save me. Thank you for loving me even when I don’t deserve it and help me transform into the image of your Son, Jesus Christ, in Jesus’ name.

Amen🙏

Overcoming bad habits is a journey that requires self-awareness, goal-setting, positive habit replacement, support, patience, and persistence. By following these five effective ways, you can break free from the grip of your undesirable behaviours and pave the way for a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. It won’t be easy, but with dedication and the right strategies, you can overcome even the most entrenched bad habits.