Opinion / Columnist
5 breakthrough habits for Lifestyle changes
29 Jan 2015 at 11:48hrs | Views
The beginning of the year is characterised by various efforts to make lifestyle changes in line with better health, emotional status, business achievements and many other goals.
As the end of January approaches, many will have fallen off the wagon already and either returned to their old ways or simply given up because "it is too hard".
Here are some thoughts to help you go for the long haul:
1. It is brave and commendable to move away from something unhealthy.
Realising that you have some unhealthy habits or relationships is in fact the first step towards success. Most people remain in denial and nurse their toxic habits and relationship to their detriment. Having the courage to call it what it is and choosing to move away from it deserves praise. I have been in unhealthy relationships and my observation is that it is easier to rationalise and come up with all forms of excuses than it is to admit that the status quo is not working for my good. We all make mistakes and can learn a lot from them as long as we are not denying them.
2. Stumbling only becomes a problem when you stop rising
If anyone ever told you it is easy to get rid of an old habit, they lied. Habits are sometimes called second nature. We are so used to doing things a certain way that it is automatic in many instances. We have learnt to cope with life in certain ways. Some people have been a part of our lives for so long even our sense of identity is tied to them. Remember this; the best way to get rid of a habit is to replace it with another. But even then, it takes a while to get used to new habits. Do not be hard on yourself. Remain determined, set small goals that you can achieve daily and before you know it, you will have replaced the old undesirable habits. If you are walking away from a toxic relationship, remind yourself why you left every time you start having thoughts to return. Separation syndrome works an illusion that only recalls the good things about someone. Remember, you left them for the ugly things.
3. You are responsible for your life
There is always the temptation to blame someone or something for failing to make your desired changes stick. Be a champion and refuse to play the blame game! If one strategy is not working, find another. Read around your area of struggle and find how other people have managed to make it work. There is nothing new under the sun; at least as far as our lifestyle issues are concerned. Someone somewhere has faced the same challenge and found a way out. There is more than enough resource in you to slay your giant. You only need the right strategy.
4. Fear of the unknown is paralysing
Two thoughts afflict the minds of people leaving toxic relationships.
"How can I leave a relationship that has lasted so long?"
"How do I know if I will find someone better next time?"
This is your life, right now! It is not a rehearsal for the real thing. When your clock ticks end, that's it! You deserve to be happy and you do not have to settle for second best or even fifth best. There is a life that consists of pure joy and peace. Do not squander your days in negative, unfulfilling, harmful and even degrading relationships. Second chances are for those that take a chance. This world is full of positive people. You only need a positive attitude to find them!
5. Pray
Prayer gives you access to what the will of God is for your life. His will is for you to prosper in all things. His will is for you to rejoice always and to live a life of thanksgiving. He desires that you succeed. With God, all things are possible. Success is yours!
About the writer: Tinei Shamu is a published author and medical practitioner. He may reached via email (tinei.shamu@gmail.com) or otherwise interacted with on Facebook, Google Plus, Twitter and Linkedin.
As the end of January approaches, many will have fallen off the wagon already and either returned to their old ways or simply given up because "it is too hard".
Here are some thoughts to help you go for the long haul:
1. It is brave and commendable to move away from something unhealthy.
Realising that you have some unhealthy habits or relationships is in fact the first step towards success. Most people remain in denial and nurse their toxic habits and relationship to their detriment. Having the courage to call it what it is and choosing to move away from it deserves praise. I have been in unhealthy relationships and my observation is that it is easier to rationalise and come up with all forms of excuses than it is to admit that the status quo is not working for my good. We all make mistakes and can learn a lot from them as long as we are not denying them.
2. Stumbling only becomes a problem when you stop rising
If anyone ever told you it is easy to get rid of an old habit, they lied. Habits are sometimes called second nature. We are so used to doing things a certain way that it is automatic in many instances. We have learnt to cope with life in certain ways. Some people have been a part of our lives for so long even our sense of identity is tied to them. Remember this; the best way to get rid of a habit is to replace it with another. But even then, it takes a while to get used to new habits. Do not be hard on yourself. Remain determined, set small goals that you can achieve daily and before you know it, you will have replaced the old undesirable habits. If you are walking away from a toxic relationship, remind yourself why you left every time you start having thoughts to return. Separation syndrome works an illusion that only recalls the good things about someone. Remember, you left them for the ugly things.
3. You are responsible for your life
There is always the temptation to blame someone or something for failing to make your desired changes stick. Be a champion and refuse to play the blame game! If one strategy is not working, find another. Read around your area of struggle and find how other people have managed to make it work. There is nothing new under the sun; at least as far as our lifestyle issues are concerned. Someone somewhere has faced the same challenge and found a way out. There is more than enough resource in you to slay your giant. You only need the right strategy.
4. Fear of the unknown is paralysing
Two thoughts afflict the minds of people leaving toxic relationships.
"How can I leave a relationship that has lasted so long?"
"How do I know if I will find someone better next time?"
This is your life, right now! It is not a rehearsal for the real thing. When your clock ticks end, that's it! You deserve to be happy and you do not have to settle for second best or even fifth best. There is a life that consists of pure joy and peace. Do not squander your days in negative, unfulfilling, harmful and even degrading relationships. Second chances are for those that take a chance. This world is full of positive people. You only need a positive attitude to find them!
5. Pray
Prayer gives you access to what the will of God is for your life. His will is for you to prosper in all things. His will is for you to rejoice always and to live a life of thanksgiving. He desires that you succeed. With God, all things are possible. Success is yours!
About the writer: Tinei Shamu is a published author and medical practitioner. He may reached via email (tinei.shamu@gmail.com) or otherwise interacted with on Facebook, Google Plus, Twitter and Linkedin.
Source - Tinei Shamu
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