23 Simple Ways to Stop Your Bad Habits Permanently

(Last Updated On: July 30, 2023)

How to stop a bad habit permanently? Unhealthy habits are damaging to your thoughts, physique, and soul. Whether or not it’s chain-smoking, channel-surfing, nail-biting, or emotional consuming, there’s no denying the truth that our unhealthy habits are dangerous to our health. In this article, I am going to talk about how to stop a bad habit permanently. Keep reading.

Do you find yourself entangled in the web of slip-ups or relying on coping mechanisms to navigate the treacherous waters of stress? Perhaps a lurking bad habit refuses to relinquish its grasp, and hitting the snooze button becomes a stubborn companion. If any of these resonates with you and you yearn to cast aside the shackles of a bad habit, rest assured, you have arrived at the right place. We shall furnish you with eleven manageable ways to break free from the clutches of undesirable routines.

Human beings, in all their glorious imperfection, are no strangers to habits – some inherently beneficial, while others, less virtuous. The genesis of habits resides in the realm of time, nurtured and etched within the fibers of one’s personality, oftentimes unknowingly. Yet, habits are not arbitrary entities; they emerge in response to triggers that punctuate life’s tapestry. For instance, stress, the insidious culprit, might inspire nail-biting or overeating. Such behaviors, once set in motion, become well-worn neural pathways that the brain instinctively traverses when encountering similar situations.

However formidable the task of breaking bad habits may seem, it can be accomplished through unwavering consistency and the guidance of the following tips. Patience becomes the companion of the journey, for the time taken to vanquish a bad habit can vary.

How long does it take to break a bad habit?

How long, then, does it take to break a bad habit? Unraveling this enigma requires an understanding of how habits germinate in the first place. Behold the triumvirate of the 3R’s principle:

a) Reminder

In the labyrinth of habit formation, the reminder stands as the catalyst, a subtle cue from one’s surroundings that stealthily compels a specific reaction. Stress, for instance, may serve as a powerful reminder, urging one to seek solace in the realm of overeating. Consciously imbued actions, such as washing the face or brushing teeth in the morning, are also enlisted as reminders.

b) Routine

Through the course of repetition, mundane tasks metamorphose into routines. Consider the act of washing hands after completing the dishes or meticulously making the bed each morning – these are the offspring of repetition, woven into the fabric of daily life. For some, the morning cup of coffee has taken residence as an integral component of their routine, an elixir fueling their day.

c) Rewards

At the heart of every action lies a craving for the sensation of reward. The pursuit of pleasure and satisfaction entwines our deeds, infusing them with significance. Under the tyranny of stress, pizza may become an alluring escape, as its savory embrace diverts attention from problems and bestows a sense of pleasure. For others, prayer becomes a lifeline during times of stress, forging a profound connection with the divine. However, within the domain of bad habits, certain souls turn to smoking, for the act offers a comforting balm, alleviating anxiety and tension.

Embrace the wisdom of the 3Rs, for it unveils the secrets of habit formation and dismantling, a powerful tool in your quest for change.

What exactly is the enigmatic 21 by 90 rule?

While the notion that forming a habit takes a mere 21 days is firmly rooted in popular belief, it falls short of truth’s embrace. The genesis of the 21 by 90 rule can be traced back to Dr. Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon, who observed that his patients required approximately 21 days, or three weeks, to acclimate to their altered physical features post-plastic surgery. This phenomenon, referred to as habituation, involves becoming accustomed to something new, a process compelled by circumstance and lack of control rather than conscious effort.

Dr. Maxwell’s patients, having undergone facial surgery, found themselves in a state of passive submission to their transformed appearances, for the die was cast, and there was no undoing the changes. Habit formation, however, necessitates a conscious endeavor, a deliberate steering of one’s behavior and circumstances.

Take, for instance, the procrastination that leads to incomplete tasks and languidly lounging on the couch, engaging in mindless scrolling through social media. Here lies the crux of choice – an opportunity to build or dismantle a habit through consistent and mindful action.

How to Stop A Bad Habit Permanently

Realistically speaking, crafting or dismantling a habit demands approximately 2.5 months or 10 weeks, as evidenced by research published in the British Journal of General Practice in 2012. A study conducted by the University College of London delved into the behavior-altering quests of 96 adults, revealing that the transformational journey could span from 18 to 254 days.

Indeed, the path of change is strewn with challenges, and setbacks may try to mar one’s progress. However, it is the unwavering determination and conscious effort that wield the greatest influence in this endeavor. The period required to instill a new habit or shed an old one might range from a swift 18 days to a protracted 254 days. Nonetheless, by adhering to the wisdom of the 3R’s strategy, one can bid farewell to a deeply entrenched and deleterious habit, provided that consistent effort accompanies the journey.

Unhealthy habits aren’t one thing you’re born with. They’re the results of months or years of constant repetition. The excellent news? The inverse can also be true; similar to unhealthy habits created by constant repetition, you’ll be able to break unhealthy habits with constant repetition. Problem accepted? Carry on studying.

1. Discover the basic trigger

Your unhealthy habits didn’t magically develop all by themselves. They’ve been constructed by years of repetition and thus, they won’t be straightforward to eradicate. Because of this most individuals who try and drop a few pounds by occurring an excellent restrictive crash food regimen fail.

Trying to rework your conduct in a single day is a doomed technique that can trigger you to get overwhelmed and stop. Before you do anything, do some soul-searching to find the basic reason for your unhealthy behavior. For instance:

Do you eat fried meals or sweets as a result of them giving you consolation on a traumatic day?
Are you smoking cigarettes as a result of them calming your nerves at work?
Does tv provide a distraction from the issues you’re afraid to confront in the true world?

2. Remember the 3R’s strategy

Remember the 3R’s strategy? Yes, at the core of any behavioral pattern lies a trigger, a subtle cue that impels us to act in a certain manner. It could manifest as an impulsive indulgence in junk food during grocery shopping or incessantly pressing the snooze button, culminating in a frenzied morning routine. The first step toward liberating ourselves from a detrimental habit involves unearthing the triggers that fuel its existence.

If, for instance, you perpetually find yourself tardy to work, rushing through mornings, it is imperative to decipher the underlying reasons. Perhaps, staying up late into the night is the culprit. Yet, the question persists – why do you stay up late? The answer might lead to the discovery that watching television while lounging on the couch or mindlessly surfing the internet serves as a time sink. This, in turn, leads to late-night hours and subsequent tardiness in the morning.

To disrupt this negative feedback loop, you must first identify the triggers. Removing the TV remote to another room, switching off the Wi-Fi, and placing the phone at a distance can sever the shackles that bind you. By diligently recognizing the cues that stimulate the undesired behavior, you will be better equipped to confront and conquer them.

3. Establish your triggers

If you wish to break your unhealthy behavior for good, I encourage you to start a diary at this time. Write down any circumstances, ideas, or emotions that you just expertise earlier than lighting up a cigarette or consuming a sweet bar. For instance, I as soon as had a private coaching consumer who skilled fierce cravings for ice cream.

I requested her to begin a diary and write down something that transpired right earlier than her cravings. We found one thing very attention-grabbing: she didn’t need ice cream in any respect. Her true need? Extra consideration from her boyfriend. She felt uncared for and unappreciated as a result of her companion didn’t spend a lot of time together with her, and any time she skilled stressed because of this problem, her craving adopted.

Being conscious of your triggers will make it easier to discover the true sources of stress that want consideration. Additionally, you will be more likely to keep away from temptation when you’ll be able to look out for the triggers behind the wheel of your choices.

4. Take one step at a time

“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Confucius

In the nascent stages of any transformational journey, excitement courses through one’s veins, fervently yearning for a swift metamorphosis. The ambition to alter multiple bad habits in one fell swoop might seem appealing, but alas, it is often a recipe for failure. However, if the habits are intricately interconnected, like staying up late watching TV, then dismantling them simultaneously might yield success. By quitting the habit of watching TV, one could avoid staying up late, as the latter is a consequence of the former. Alternatively, replace an unproductive habit like TV watching with a fruitful pursuit like reading a book.

However, should the habits refuse to nestle within the same box, attempting to change both concurrently might prove a daunting task. Therefore, begin somewhere, however small the step may seem. To curtail sugar intake, one might start by abstaining from candies and ice creams, paving the way for gradual progress. The following week, bakery items might take their leave, one by one. Remember, the key is to gently inscribe the new patterns into your mind without overwhelming it. It is the small, manageable steps that pave the road to attainable goals.

5. Replace the habits

For those earnestly seeking to break bad habits, it is time to relinquish the notion of merely putting an end to them. Alas, has anything ever come to a halt with a mere utterance of “don’t”? Has a smoker truly quit smoking solely due to a doctor’s stern advice?

The answer, alas, is no. The path to success lies not in cessation but in replacement. A habit becomes etched in one’s mind due to the reward it provides, be it fleeting ease or respite from boredom. Actions and behaviors emerge from the pursuit of these rewards, granting fleeting freedom from the humdrum of existence.

Should you find yourself yearning for a bar of chocolate during work hours, contemplate diverting your attention toward a healthier alternative, such as dark chocolate or a granola bar. Nuts and dried fruits can also serve as wholesome, energy-boosting alternatives. By replacing old habits with new, healthier ones, the trajectory of change charts a more promising course. In the long run, as your brain recognizes the rewards garnered from these new behaviors, the scales of preference are likely to tip in favor of healthier habits.

6. Stick with them

Setting goals might be a breeze, but adhering to them is akin to navigating treacherous waters. Often, one might set ambitious New Year’s resolutions, putting pen to paper with fervent zeal. Alas, putting plans into action is an entirely different ball game. The key to unwavering commitment lies in doing it for oneself, rather than striving to meet the expectations of others.

Embarking on a journey of change must spring from the depths of one’s heart, fueled by intrinsic motivation. For, in the realm of altruism, appreciation, and gratitude are fickle companions, prone to wane over time. The choice rests at the core of change, and it is a choice that must be made for oneself. By adopting this perspective, one is better equipped to remain focused, with a clear vision of the self-improvement that awaits.

Easier said than done, you say? Yet, the art of tenacity can be cultivated by nurturing a clear mindset. Embrace and enjoy the activity you wish to transform into a habit. Keep the habit small and approachable, minimizing barriers to entry. Should you desire to learn cooking, refrain from commencing with a 50-ingredient, 2-hour preparation dish. Instead, start small and build upon each step, allowing your skills to burgeon.

And remember, it’s alright to skip a day once a week – forgiveness is permissible. However, the cardinal rule is to avoid two consecutive days of absence from the pursuit of your goals. The path to success might present challenges, but steadfastness and resilience shall see you through. Even if the road seems arduous, the promise of an improved self shall be your guiding light.

7. Choose an optimistic difference

Breaking unhealthy habits requires constant follow and repetition. To re-wire your mind, select optimistic conduct to switch your unhealthy behavior. Recall my previous consumer who reached for a bowl of ice cream any time she felt uncared for by her boyfriend. She had a cute pet who she simply adopted, so I requested her to begin taking her pup exterior for a quick stroll each time she skilled her set off.

At first, she generally got here again inside to eat a bowl of ice cream (at the very least she walked off a couple of the energy) however because the saying goes, “follow makes good.” After a number of weeks of repetition, she efficiently changed her unhealthy behavior with an optimistic difference. Don’t develop discouraged if it takes you a couple of days or even weeks to make any progress.

Unhealthy habits constructed over months and years are usually not straightforward to interrupt. Maintain your head excessively and preserve a Huge Image mindset.

8. Ignite your motivation to break a bad habit

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Rohn

Treading the arduous path of breaking a habit demands both time and fortitude. Yet, nestled within the folds of motivation lies the key to unlocking progress. How does it work? Motivation elucidates your goals and the rationale behind your actions, paving the way for focused direction. Simply put, it is the force that propels your willingness to act, amplified when you are acutely aware of your “why.”

As you embark on forming new habits, conscious efforts at the outset are essential. For consistency to take root, actions must be repeated and reinforced until they are ingrained in the depths of your mind. So, how does motivation intertwine with habits? The link is forged by your “why” – the reason that unites both motivation and habits.

In cultivating a new habit, you exert effort and draw upon motivation. How, then, do you sustain that motivation throughout the journey? The secret lies in incentivization. By rewarding yourself for even the slightest achievements, you stoke the flames of motivation, driving greater productivity in the long run. According to research on Motivation and Study Habits, motivated individuals are more inclined to plan ahead and demonstrate unwavering determination in their endeavors.

With the understanding that monumental changes are composed of minuscule steps, you learn to appreciate each modest milestone along the way. Embrace your transformational voyage, celebrating every small victory. Treat yourself, relish rewards, and indulge in a cheat day if needed, for it will rejuvenate your spirit, instilling fresh vigor and a deeper resolve to strive harder on weekdays.

9. Embrace mindfulness

Mindfulness, the art of profound awareness and heightened presence in the present moment serves as a powerful ally in the pursuit of breaking bad habits. It allows you to discern your emotions and sensations without undue interpretation. In essence, mindfulness meditation enables you to inhabit the moment fully, acutely cognizant of your internal landscape.

In the realm of relinquishing undesirable habits, the practice of mindfulness becomes paramount. It not only magnifies your awareness of the change unfolding within you but also grants a clearer glimpse of your thoughts during the transformative process. In the bustling chaos of our modern world, pausing to appreciate the nuances of existence often proves elusive.

Whether your endeavor involves transitioning from a diet replete with processed foods to one brimming with nourishing delights or striving to read a book for 10-20 minutes daily instead of succumbing to endless Instagram scrolls, mindfulness can wield transformative power. By dedicating yourself entirely to your thoughts and emotions, you gain insight into the cues that trigger unproductive habit formation.

Suppose stress leads to nail-biting; engaging in mindfulness activities can alleviate stress and anxiety, offering liberation from the clutches of harmful habits. Furthermore, as you discern the subtle changes ushered in by cultivating healthy habits, your determination to sustain them is fortified, and eventually, they seamlessly integrate into your existence.

10. Harness the potency of reminders

Reminders, steadfast allies in your quest to break bad habits, are the sentinels that guard against slipping off the path of progress. A simple handwritten note adorning your refrigerator, urging you to limit soda consumption, or a one-hour Instagram reminder keeping track of your screen time, are invaluable aids.

Use sticky notes, stickers, or set digital alarms to receive timely notifications. If physical activity is your goal, schedule an evening walk after dinner. The lethargy induced by a hearty meal can be defied with a reminder on your smartphone, guiding you toward rejuvenating exercise. To further reinforce your resolve, embed powerful motivating quotes within these prompts.

In essence, breaking a bad habit necessitates a deliberate detachment from its clutches. Consistent efforts are the key, and reminders serve as beacons to illuminate the way.

11. Seek a supportive partner

As the age-old adage goes, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” This truth resonates profoundly on your journey to break a bad habit. Habits, much like tenacious companions, cling tightly, proving challenging to shed. Amid the daunting and protracted endeavor of parting with undesirable habits, the presence of a friend or supportive companion can work wonders. Join hands with a friend or two who are also determined to overcome their bad habits.

The wisdom of “better two than one” rings true, for shared goals forge a symbiotic connection, bolstering adherence to routines and mutual aspirations. During moments of weakness, camaraderie sustains, you as you find solace in the fact that someone else shares your struggle.

Encouragement is the currency of this shared journey. Acknowledge and celebrate each other’s progress. Revel in the voyage together, and you shall find the path to vanquishing bad habits permanently.

12. Maintain yourself accountable

Feeling courageous? Proclaim your intention to interrupt your unhealthy behavior to the world. Publish a standing on Fb to tell your total community of your aim. Sound scary? It’s. But making your people conscious of your aim will encourage you in contrast to anything. Added bonus: you’ll immediately create a cheerleading squad that will encourage you that you are able to do it.

13. Go forth and crush it

Anybody can break unhealthy habits by following the steps outlined right here. You’re able to conduct something you set your thoughts to. For those who’re feeling courageous, go forward and remark beneath with a foul behavior you plan to eradicate. I hope this article on how to stop a bad habit permanently was worthy to you. Have a query? Ask away. I’m right here to help you with any method I can.

14. Revamp your surroundings to break free from bad habits

Behold, within the cradle of your environment, lies the very genesis of habitual behavior. It is paramount, therefore, to undergo a metamorphosis of the setting that enables these undesirable habits to thrive. Once you discern the triggers that give rise to these habits, the time has come to sever the umbilical cord tying you to this environment.

Picture this: you find yourself ensnared by the allure of your favorite candy store during your homeward journey. In such a scenario, why not alter your route, thus breaking the enchanting spell of confectionery enticement? Similarly, if mindless scrolling on social media encroaches upon your study time, seek refuge in the serene and focused ambiance of a library. By consciously acknowledging these triggers and making a decisive departure from that environment, you lay the groundwork for transformation.

Yet, the environment encompasses not merely physical spaces but the company we keep. The influence of companions should not be underestimated; their habits shape our own. If your friends indulge in gossip, it is no surprise that such behavior might take root within you too. In this case, establishing firm boundaries and communicating your intentions can serve as a protective shield. Letting your friends know about your preferences and goals fosters a supportive atmosphere.

To break the unyielding grip of a habit like incessant social media scrolling, consider an ingenious approach: relocate the Wi-Fi connection to another room. The mere inconvenience of accessing it might deter you from succumbing to its allure, keeping you cocooned in your cozy haven.

15. You will stumble along the way

The path to breaking bad habits is fraught with challenges and setbacks. Writing about these tips may be facile, but enacting them is an entirely different matter. Realistically, breaking bad habits is a protracted and arduous journey, punctuated by occasional slip-ups. Skipping a day or two is natural; perfection is not required. The key is to foster self-awareness, acknowledging unproductive habits, and committing to breaking them.

16. Be patient

The art of patience weaves through the tapestry of life, and breaking bad habits is no exception. Progress takes time, and patience is the virtue that sustains you on this journey. The magnitude of the goal, the duration of the habits, the needs they fulfill, and the environment in which you thrive all factor into the timeline for change.

Research on Patience and Well-being reveals that individuals with greater patience experience decreased depression and higher positive well-being. Humans require time to adapt to new environments, and similarly, building healthy habits or shedding unproductive ones takes time.

Steps to Overcome a bad habit

Step 1. Acknowledge the Challenge

The enigmatic power of habits often stems from our lack of awareness. When we finally recognize a habit working against our progress, we must confront it and admit that it impedes our path. It need not be life-threatening; any habit obstructing our goals demands our attention.

Hence, muster all your conviction and declare to yourself: “I have a problem with [fill in the blank].”

But take solace in the fact that you are not alone. Many others have faced similar challenges and emerged victorious. Their success serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring you to overcome your obstacles with unwavering determination, and if needed, seek support from others.

Step 2. Comprehend the Workings of Habits

Once we acknowledge the presence of a habit, it is essential to fathom its inner workings to break its hold on us. A habit consists of three interconnected components:

1. The trigger: Often, it begins with something we see, but it can involve all our senses, each acting as a catalyst.

2. The behavior: Commonly regarded as the habit itself, be it overeating, procrastination, or any other action. However, it is merely our response to the trigger.

3. The reward: Beyond the physical sensation, it includes the dopamine rush generated by the behavior.

Interestingly, the reward begins at the trigger, even before we act. Like a feel-good credit card, our brain provides a dopamine hit whenever our eyes encounter something linked to the reward. The joy is immediate, but the consequences emerge later.

This is where we often stumble. Our attention is not fully under our control. Neuroscientist Susan M. Courtney elucidates, “What we tend to look at, think about, and pay attention to is whatever we’ve done in the past that was rewarded.”

So, consider the habit you wish to break. Can you discern the trigger? It may be evident, but reflection might be necessary in some cases.

Step 3. Articulate What You Desire Instead

Having acknowledged the challenge and comprehended its complexities, it is now time to state what you aspire to achieve instead. Be explicit in your desires:

1. “I want to discover alternative methods to cope with anxiety, rather than resorting to smoking.”
2. “I wish to savor healthy and delicious meals, engaging in exercise five days a week.”
3. “I long for better rest and more exposure to sunlight, reducing my reliance on coffee to get through the day.”

In the realm of visualization, an intriguing technique known as the “polar bear problem” is employed. Picture this: you close your eyes and envision a magnificent polar bear amidst the arctic tundra, its powerful arms, vanilla white fur, and big black nose vividly described.

Now, you are asked to stop thinking about the polar bear, but its compelling image clings tenaciously to your mind. The attempt to suppress it only draws you back to the polar bear; your brain is reluctant to relinquish it.

Next, you are told to imagine an eagle soaring above a lake in evergreen country, searching for food. The image of the eagle builds, replacing the polar bear.

Bad habits bear a resemblance to the polar bear. When we strive to break them, our minds gravitate back to the craving, seemingly unable to escape. However, it is not because we are bound to the habit, but rather because we have not yet discovered our “eagle.”

Step 4. Embrace Behavior Swapping

Instead of waging a relentless battle against our own brains, the key lies in redirecting their focus. The ultimate goal is to replace the undesired behavior while retaining the trigger and the reward. Let’s examine the example of smoking:

The trigger: Perhaps you feel anxious or observe someone else smoking, immediately activating the anticipation of the reward.
The behavior: You light a cigarette and inhale, associating this act with the desired reward of relaxation.
The reward: Your brain and body experience a sense of calm.

Now, instead of altering the trigger or reward, swap the behavior. For instance, when the urge to light up strikes, opt for flavored water like a refreshing La Croix. Alternatively, take a brisk walk, or engage in any other activity of your choice!

The crux lies in finding a substitute that effectively changes your focus to something different and beneficial.

Step 5. Monitor Your Progress

Sustaining the behavior swap may prove challenging, which is why tracking your progress becomes invaluable. Not only does it help keep your intention at the forefront of your mind, but it also bolsters your determination and sustains momentum.

To facilitate this, consider using a reliable app that can assist you in trading bad habits for good ones. One such option is HabitBull, available for both iOS and Android devices. With features like setting reminders, tracking streaks, and reviewing your achievements, this app can be a valuable ally on your journey.

Step 6. Seek External Support

In certain cases, seeking external resources becomes a crucial step. I cannot emphasize this enough. There are dedicated organizations and professionals devoted to aiding individuals in overcoming the habits hindering their progress.

You might find assistance from a business coach, a personal trainer, Weight Watchers, AA, or numerous other resources tailored to your specific needs. Whatever your challenge, rest assured that someone has already unraveled the code to success and is ready to guide you. Reach out and benefit from their expertise.

Step 7. Stay the Course

Transformation seldom materializes overnight. The final step is to remain steadfast in your pursuit. Persist until you consistently achieve the desired results. It takes approximately seventy days of a concerted effort to replace an old habit with a new, empowering one.

Armed with a comprehensive understanding of the challenge, your consistent and intelligent efforts can undoubtedly liberate you from the shackles of unwanted habits. The results you aspire to are well within reach; embrace the journey and experience the transformation you seek.

Final thought

The realization that certain habits are detrimental marks the commencement of transformation. From this point forward, never look back. Embrace the aforementioned tips, stay focused, persevere through initial setbacks, and trust in the process. Gradually, you will envision an improved self. The key is unwavering determination and faith in your journey.