Consider this statement: You are a sum of your habits.
Think about it for a moment. You wake up to the same routine every day. Sleep. Work. Social time. And, for most of us, the cycle repeats day after day. These habits you have developed over time shape your life, your well-being, and everything you care about. They direct your path and define who you are as a person.
While it’s definitely necessary to break out of routine from time to time, there is incredible power in using structure to your advantage—especially when it comes to your wellness journey.
We all have bad habits. It’s simply a by-product of being human. But there are certain habits that can get in the way of your goals, your dreams, and ultimately, your happiness. These habits may feel comfortable, even safe, but deep down, you know they’re not serving your best self.
It takes intention, awareness, and courage to confront those habits and change them. Breaking out of your normal routine can be uncomfortable and, at times, downright unpleasant. But here’s the thing: knowing that transformation isn’t easy and doing it anyway is a gift to yourself—the future version of yourself that you are working towards.
So, how do you begin to break free from old habits and step into the life you want to live? Let’s dive into some powerful strategies that will help you not only change your habits, but also transform your life.
1. Change Your Beliefs About What’s Possible
The very first step in changing any habit begins with your beliefs. Our thoughts create our actions, and our beliefs dictate our thoughts. If you don’t believe you’re capable of breaking a bad habit, it’s going to be incredibly hard to take the first step towards change.
This is the internal work that needs to be done before anything external can shift. You need to dig deep and address the limiting beliefs that are holding you back. If you think you’re not strong enough or capable of success, you are already sabotaging your chances before you even begin.
Once you begin to recognize those negative beliefs, it’s time to reframe them. Replace them with empowering thoughts. Mantras, affirmations, and even self-hypnosis can be powerful tools to help retrain your mind to focus on what you want to achieve rather than what you fear. Reprogramming your thoughts is a game-changer. When you train your mind, you start to see yourself as the person who can succeed. And when you believe you can succeed, you will.
2. Find Healthy Replacements and Distractions
One of the hardest things to do is to quit something cold turkey. It’s not just about eliminating a bad habit; it’s also about filling that space with something positive. Too much free time to think about your old habits can make them even harder to shake.
This is where finding healthy replacements comes into play. For example, exercise is an amazing way to replace negative behaviors. It involves both your body and mind, making it one of the most powerful ways to form new, healthy routines. Exercise is also an underutilized antidepressant—it can shift your mood, re-energize your spirit, and give you the momentum you need to succeed.
But it doesn’t stop there. You can find constructive alternatives in hobbies, passions, or activities that have nothing to do with your old habits. Learning a new skill like playing an instrument, painting, or even taking a cooking class can occupy your mind and body in new ways. The more you replace old habits with healthier alternatives, the more success you will see in your transformation journey.
3. Develop New Routines and Better Habits
It’s not just about getting rid of bad habits—it’s about creating new, positive ones. A great way to break old habits is to restructure your days with better routines. If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of negative behaviors, try to fill your time with new, healthier activities.
Getting organized can really help you see where your time is being spent. Grab a planner and write out your whole week. Look at where you have gaps and consider filling those moments with activities that promote your health and well-being. Whether it’s exercise, reading, or simply taking some time for yourself, having a set routine will help you stay on track and keep your mind focused on your goals.
It’s said that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Three weeks of consistent, positive action will start to rewire your brain and create new mental pathways that make it easier to maintain new, healthy behaviors.
4. Practice Building Willpower
Willpower is a muscle that gets stronger the more you use it. At first, it will be hard to resist temptation, but the more you practice saying “no” to your old habits, the easier it becomes. The universe will throw tests at you, challenging you to stay committed to your goals. But with each test, your willpower grows stronger.
The key here is consistency. The more you resist the urge to fall back into old habits, the easier it becomes to say no next time. Eventually, you’ll find that the cravings or temptations no longer have the same pull on you. You’ll become detached from the need for them, and healthier habits will fill the space they once occupied.
5. Sit in the Craving and Let It Pass
Sometimes, no distraction or replacement will work. Sometimes, you just have to sit with the craving and let it pass. This is where discipline comes into play.
Discipline is about having the strength of mind to resist temptation and push through the discomfort. When you face a craving, it’s important to acknowledge it, sit with it, and remind yourself that your goals are more important. The more often you do this, the easier it will get.
It’s not about avoiding temptation forever—it’s about building the resilience to resist it in the moment, knowing that the craving will pass. Your mind is strong enough to handle it.
6. Step Back and See the Bigger Picture
Breaking a habit isn’t about perfection; it’s about the sum of your decisions over time. Every single choice you make adds up to the person you are becoming. Life isn’t about individual mistakes, but about the broader picture of who you want to be.
That’s why it’s so important to reflect on your journey regularly. Journaling, practicing gratitude, and reflecting on your progress will help you stay focused on the big picture. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the steps forward, no matter how small they seem.
Changing your habits can be a tough and long journey, but every small decision you make gets you closer to your goal. Stay consistent, stay focused, and always remember: it’s about the sum of your actions, not any one failure.
Breaking bad habits and creating a new life takes time, effort, and consistency. But you’re more than capable of making it happen. As you embark on this journey, keep in mind that it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress, one step at a time. Stay positive, be patient with yourself, and trust in the process. Your transformation is just around the corner.
Always remember, You are capable of amazing things and You are worthy of your wildest dreams!
Until next time, friend!
XOXO,
Valerie
Your Doula & Transformation Coach 🌿
