Bad habits are killing millions
THE World Health Organisation estimates that in 2008, 63 per cent of people died due to bad habits including smoking, alcohol or poor nutrition.
Our lives are composed of hundreds and hundreds of cues, routines and rewards – called habits.
Research shows these are instinctively woven into our everyday lives and develop without us even being aware of them.
A habit is any action that we perform so regularly that it almost becomes an involuntary response. In fact sociologists believe that 85 to 90 per cent of daily human behaviour is ingrained habit.
Soft addictions are those seemingly harmless habits like continually surfing the internet, endlessly checking your mobile phone, compulsive shopping, overeating, watching too much TV, procrastinating – that actually holds us back from achieving our goals and enjoying the life we want.
Soft addictions cost money, erode time, deplete energy levels and can even numb our feelings and relationships. And guess what? We all have them.
When the behaviour no longer soothes or relaxes you and starts to consume you, it moves from a soft addiction to a bad habit.
And the primary reason why so many people fail when trying to change their habits is there is no magic cure or potion.
Behaviour change is hard work and there is no short cut to achieving it. Six steps to busting bad habits: Identify the habit: The first step to modify any behaviour or habit is to identify exactly what it is. Identify the biggest ‘‘soft addiction’’ or bad habit in your life right now. What is likely to happen if you keep this habit going? Will it affect your job, finances, health, relationships, longevity?
Examine your motivation: Why do you stick to this habit? Does it make you feel better, is it a social response, is it due to boredom or loneliness? Next, make sure you want to change habits for the right reasons.
Target keystone habits: A keystone habit unlocks other patterns in your life. Studies show that people who start a physical activity programme also start eating better and are more productive at work.
Identify road blocks: Be proactive and recognise potential road blocks along the way. If you’re trying to give up smoking, what are you going to do when you have a drink in a social setting and other people around you light up?
Make yourself accountable: You don’t have to be Han Solo and do it all alone. Informing friends, family and colleagues about your change programme is not only good for support during the tough times, they will also help you stay on track and remain accountable. Better still, invest in a coach who will keep you truly accountable.
Celebrate success: Reward yourself along the way and celebrate the small victories. Breaking bad habits can be a timely, long process. Just be realistic how you celebrate. If you lose 10kg, knocking back a chocolate cake by yourself might not be the smartest reward!