We hear phrases like "breaking" or "kicking" a habit, usually one thought of as a bad habit.  But what exactly is a habit? Simply, habits are patterns of behavior that control what we do. Habits can be perceived as good, neutral, or bad.

Our brains work in such a way that we become used to the repetition of certain actions. Electronic pathways are formed that anticipate, then regulate, this behavior. It's kind of like wearing a path in the grass. Once this happens, that path is there for a long time. So in order to change your behavior, you have to wear a new path. And the old path is always there, lurking in the background, ready to resurface and become dominant again if you go back to walking on it.



This explains why it can be such a challenge to change one's behavior. Some will say that it takes 21 repetitions to form a new habit, giving the impression that if you can do something 21 times, that's it - old habit gone, new habit created, no more effort required. The truth is, you have to continue to stimulate those new electronic pathways so they stay dominant over the older ones. This can take a year or longer. For some, especially when habits have been linked to an addiction of some kind, the effort is lifelong.

Understanding this is the key to successfully making changes in your life. Whether you are changing the way you eat, starting a fitness program, quitting smoking, or altering the way you think about things, it is a gradual process. Taking daily "baby steps" will give you much greater success in the long-term than making sudden drastic changes.

Let me add one caveat to that statement: Using smoking as an example, some people do well with the "cold turkey" method of making a change and for some things it is desirable to make a clean break. However, in order to be successful in sticking to that change long-term, it will still require changes in daily habits. Did you always light up right after a meal? Now you need to replace that urge with another activity, so that over time the old impulse will fade to the background.

If you are working on changing a habit, don't be discouraged if you have a relapse. Just start again with the new habit you are creating, and with persistence over time you will succeed.

From my heart to yours,
Karen

Personal coaching can be a powerful tool to help you succeed in making long-term changes. I'm happy to answer your questions about my coaching services, and give you a sample coaching session to try it out. Contact me for more information.