Need Help With Your Habit: Call In The Troops

“For a habit to stay changed, people must believe change is possible.  And most often, that belief only emerges with the help of a group.” Charles Duhigg

The more I read, research, and reflect, the more I become convinced that this habit business is a missing puzzle piece for many of us who find that, time and time again, our goals go unmet.

Today I’d like to focus on an area that is essential when it comes to tackling those really tough cravings we have developed. As you know, not every habit is equal.  Creating a good habit of taking a vitamin pill every day is not the same as trying to get in shape for the upcoming triathlon.  Trying to get rid of the bad habit of clicking a ball point pen is not equal to trying to get rid of that bad habit of smoking.

When we take on those really difficult habits, you can be sure that resistance will rise to the occasion. I have a visual picture in my mind of what that might look like. Have you seen the Disney movie, Little Mermaid? Do you remember Ursula, the Witch of the Sea; that horrifying creature that changes shape and colors depending on the scope of her conflict?  Well that’s how I see resistance behaving when we try and tackle a big tough habit.  In the movie's final battle scene it took Ariel, Eric, the mermaid’s sea buddies, and a raging helm of a battle ship to take down that vile serpent. ... Sometimes we just can't do it alone.

Charles Duhigg, the author of the Power of Habit says this, “The evidence is clear: If you want to change a habit, you must find an alternative routine, and your odds of success go up dramatically when you commit to changing as part of a group. Belief is essential, and it grows out of a communal experience, even if that community is only as large as two people.” 

We’ve all heard about the successes of organizations like Weight Watchers, Alcoholics Anonymous; and quitting smoking groups. There are so many ways to find the support  of others these days; whether it be Apps on your computer, Facebook, Twitter, blogging, emailing, phone calls or actual eyeball to eyeball conversation (do people do that anymore?)  

Find a friend, and share a cup of coffee and your plan of action with them. (maybe even my blog) Ask them if they would agree to keep you accountable and responsible, while also giving encouragement.  This final step can be the key to taking on those tough habits and making the change for good.
Watch out, Ursula...me and my friends will take you down!

Please inspire us all by sharing any new healthy habits you have started, or bad ones you’re working on getting rid of.   Who knows…WE might be just the support you need!

Here's a brief video summary on breaking bad habits. 

http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A0S00Mp8EUNR5wcAK977w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBvcTJzcm5xBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDVjEzMQ--?p=break+a+bad+habit+with+support&vid=a2c1a5755385082f81eeffb9206253f0&l=5%3A05&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DV.5051947616829578%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DOnFVFfAImEg&tit=How+to+Break+Bad+Habits&c=0&sigr=11a9ubl1b&age=0&fr=yfp-t-900&tt=b

 Post on the blog or email me, Karen, at: smallsteps4bigresults@yahoo.com