Last time out we discussed the first step in changing a habit, raising your awareness. There were steps to be taken to gather as much information as you could about your bad habit. This information can then be used to help when implementing change. Implementing change can be a difficult, and stressful, time but when you are aware of all that is involved, your chances of making a successful change are greatly increased. Implementing change is not about one swift moment; there is a transition period as you eliminate the bad habit and develop the good habit. During this period, you are more vulnerable to slip into your old routine and so you need to take care and caution.
Implementing change – some key steps
While implementing change can be difficult and stressful, the following steps should help to make the transition smoother and increase your chances of success.
1. Prepare for the change
If you took the time to raise your awareness of your bad habit, you should have a list of all the ways in which it is holding you back. You should also have been able to produce a list of all the benefits you will achieve once you have successfully implemented the new habit.
These are the reasons why you are putting yourself through these difficulties and whenever you experience any difficulty while implementing change, you should remind yourself of these reasons. In fact, whether you are finding it difficult or not, it is a good idea to remind yourself of these reasons at least once per day during the transition period. This will serve as motivation.
2. Develop an early warning system
When monitoring your bad habit, you will have recorded each time that it occurred. You will also have noted the events that took place prior to you indulging in the bad habit. At these times, and whenever these events occur, you should be extra vigilant. It is at these times that you are most likely to fall into your old ways. But, you know the warning signs and when these signs occur, you can be prepared to change course.
3. Choose a pattern interrupt
It is one thing to notice when the warning lights start flashing to alert you that you are in danger of slipping into your old habit; it is another to know the correct course of action to take at that time. That is why it is important to have determined the correct course of action beforehand. You should have a plan in place to do something else which may give you the same sensation without the bad habit.
For example, as I work alone, I occasionally get a little bored and feel the need for a little human interaction. I used to always go to the cafe where I would get to have some interaction. While I enjoy the cafe, I was spending too much money and consuming too much caffeine. I needed to limit the amount of times I went to the cafe. Now, when I feel the need for interaction I either call to my parents (a short walk) to see if they need any errands done or I make one of the phone calls on my task list and enjoy a conversation with whoever is on the other end. Whichever I choose, I get an important task completed and get the human interaction that I am seeking.
4. Build a support team
When implementing change, you may not always have the answers, or you may just need to talk to somebody about the difficulties you are experiencing. Take the time to build a support team who will help you through these difficult times. With people you can trust on your side, even the most difficult tasks appear to be a lot more achievable.
5. Keep monitoring
Monitoring is not only necessary when studying your bad habit. You need to monitor any changes you make to assess their effectiveness. Implementing change is not always easy and you may need to use a little trial and error. Monitoring the impact of your changes allows you to identify when something is not working. You can then select an alternative action and implement that.
When implementing changes to your productivity, unstoppable productivity can be a very helpful tool.
6. Celebrate success
When you are implementing change, it can be a long, drawn out process. The end goal can seem to be a long way off in the distance. When this is the case, it can be best to set milestones along the way. When you reach a milestone, celebrate. Give yourself a little reward.
7. Be kind to yourself
If you slip up and momentarily fall back into your old ways; do not be harsh on yourself. Except that mistakes are made and there will be times when you get it wrong. Then, get back on track.
Change is easier when you make it an effective goal. Learn how with the Ultimate Guide to Goal Setting.
When you are implementing change, it can be a very stressful time. You are abandoning the status quo and choosing to jettison a bad habit. While it can be easy to see this as 100% positive, it is essential that you are realistic. Even if a habit is bad, it brings comfort and familiarity to your life. To make the change, you have to step outside of your comfort zone and into the unknown. In truth, nothing great can be achieved without stepping outside of your comfort zone but knowing this does not make the experience any more pleasant. However, implementing the 7 tips, listed above, will greatly reduce the discomfort associated with implementing change so, there really is no reason to hold on to your destructive habits.
Image credit: James Stewart