Breaking Bad Habits

Learn How It's Done

The Exercise Motivation Example

breaking_bad_habits Breaking bad habits remind me of the premise behind that movie The Matrix. I'm not sure if you know the one. It's about a huge computer system that connects humans to it for power. In the movie, humans beings are kept in a subconscious state - tied to the computer while they go about their daily routine oblivious to the fact they are being controlled by a strong force that reinforces its hold every single day.

Habits sort of work the same way. You repeat a certain behavior until it is ingrained into your life - developing into a subconscious routine until it eventually forms an unwanted habit that you can't seem to control. This makes breaking bad habits difficult. I want you to think about bad habits that you have. Have you ever tried to break a bad habit? If you have, then you realize the challenge. If you're like me, you have probably come up with plenty of excuses.

Try and Try Again

For years, I've tried to exercise with no success. My lack of physical activity resulted in 50lbs of excess body weight. I didn't realize the impact until I started to struggle into clothing that used to fit. Thankfully, the threat of high blood pressure provided the motivation for me to try again. Needless to say, I failed miserably. I quit after only one week, opting for an easier approach - protein weight loss drinks.

While I did experienced a little success my bad habit still existed. I was as lazy as ever. I still needed to exercise - so with renewed motivation I tried again. I gave up the protein drinks and forced myself to exercise - even if that meant only exercising for one minute per day. I honestly believed that a little progress was better than no progress at all. I figured time continued to pass anyway so what was the harm?

30 Days to Break a Habit? No Way! How About 30 Minutes?

Interestingly, I read breaking bad habits takes 30 days to replace with a new habit. The premise is we need to give ourselves the opportunity to repeat our new behavior until it becomes automatic. This is encouraging information, because my goal became to use the 30 day standard to replace my bad habit with the new habit of exercise.

I took a deep breath and retrieved my exercise tapes out of storage. Reluctantly, I put on my workout clothes, started the tapes, and stared at my television screen for 30 minutes. That was my first attempt to exercise. It was a slow start, but at least I watched the tape.

30 Minutes...Hmmmm. Smaller Intervals a Little Better

I set small goals each day in ten minute intervals until I could make it through an entire workout. I did not focus on immediate weight loss - my goal was simply to make it through my daily workout without passing out. Everyday, I did a little more than the day before.

To track my progress, I kept a notebook - jotting down when I exercised and for how long. Fifteen months later, I was 37 lbs lighter with a positive new habit. I felt great! Right now, I can't imagine not exercising. However, I know without those small steps I would not be 37lbs lighter! More importantly it started with one small step everyday. Now it's your turn. Start by committing 30 days of effort and experience positive personal growth.