Coax Habits Down One Step At A Time

We have all had one of those incidents in life where we have reached threshold.

We become clear in our mind that we want to stop smoking, lose a certain amount of weight, stop drinking or one of the many other negative habits that we succumb to.

We then wake up the next morning, motivated and passionate and stick to this resolution. We totally cut out this behaviour for a few days and then, as expected, that habit returns and we are back to our old ways.

Wayne Dyer argues that we cannot just throw bad habits out. They will soon return.

Instead, a much more effective way is to coax these bad habits out. Imagine that you are coaxing them down a stairway. Take it one step at a time.

Gradually reduce the habit because by gradually reducing the habit, you gradually reduce the hold that this habit has over you. Before you know it, you will be able to free yourself from this bad habit and all of its negative consequences.

Similarly, it is the same with positive habits. Instead of coaxing them down the stairs, coax them up the stairs. Do not go full out and expect that burst of enthusiasm to last. Instead, gradually build this positive habit into your life.

Take some time today to either coax a bad habit down the stairs or to coax a good habit up the stairs and really feel how good it is to be taking a step in the right direction.