How to Change Your Habits
(Habits are just actions we repeat)
To change any habit, you must first change your actions.
But to truly change your actions, you need to start by changing your thoughts about the situation.
Changing your thoughts means shifting how you think about the circumstances you’re in.
Our thoughts drive our feelings, and those feelings drive our actions.
When we change our thoughts, our feelings and actions naturally follow.
Example 1
Healthier Eating
Instead of thinking, “Healthy food is boring,” try, “Nourishing my body will give me energy and make me feel good.”
This new thought makes you feel motivated and proud, leading to healthier food choices and resulting in more energy and improved well-being.
Example 2
Exercising Regularly
Instead of thinking, “I don’t have time to work out,” try, “Even a short workout will boost my mood and make me feel accomplished.”
This thought creates excitement and satisfaction, encouraging you to exercise, which leads to a stronger and healthier body.
Example 3
Setting Boundaries
Instead of thinking, “I’ll feel guilty if I say no,” try, “Setting boundaries helps me protect my energy and be there for what truly matters.”
This shift brings feelings of empowerment and relief, making it easier to say no when necessary, resulting in less burnout and more time for important things.
Example 4
Improving Self-Care
Instead of thinking, “Self-care is selfish,” try, “Taking care of myself allows me to show up better for others.”
This thought fosters self-worth and calm, motivating you to prioritize self-care, leading to better health and relationships.
Example 5
Getting Organized
Instead of thinking, “I’m too busy to organize my day,” try, “Planning my day will help me feel more in control and less overwhelmed.”
This mindset creates clarity and readiness, helping you organize your time and resulting in more productivity and less stress.
Example 6
Practicing Gratitude
Instead of thinking, “There’s not much to be grateful for right now,” try, “Focusing on small positives can help me feel more hopeful.”
This thought fosters optimism and peace, encouraging you to notice positives, improving your overall mood and outlook.
Example 7
Handling Criticism
Instead of thinking, “This feedback means I’m not good enough,” try, “This feedback is an opportunity to grow and improve.”
This change in thinking creates resilience and openness, allowing you to use feedback constructively, which boosts your skills and confidence.
Example 9
Reducing Screen Time
Instead of thinking, “Social media helps me unwind,” try, “Taking a break from screens will help me feel more present and focused.”
This new thought brings calm and focus, motivating you to reduce screen time, resulting in better mental clarity and connections with others.
Example 10
Building Confidence
Instead of thinking, “I’m not confident enough to try this,” try, “I’ll gain confidence by stepping out of my comfort zone, one small step at a time.”
This thought brings courage and self-assurance, encouraging you to take action, which builds more confidence and growth.
Example 11
Managing Stress
Instead of thinking, “I can’t handle this stress,” try, “I have overcome challenges before, and I can handle this one, too.”
This mindset fosters strength and resilience, helping you face challenges calmly, leading to better stress management and personal growth.
See how each example demonstrates that changing thoughts creates new feelings, which drive new actions and ultimately lead to better results?
This process shows the powerful impact of thought shifts on your habits and outcomes.
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