Habits are Powerful

They can help you achieve your goals, but they can also hinder your progress. The good news is that bad habits are very much like a bad relationship: they can be ended and replaced with something better.

There are some simple steps you can take to change your habits for the better:

Get clear on your goals. If you don't know where you're going, how will you know when you've arrived? It's important to have a clear idea of what it is that you want to achieve before starting to make changes. Make sure that your goals are specific, measurable and time-bound (SMART).

Identify your triggers. What sets off a bad habit? Are there certain times of day or situations that trigger the habit? Do certain people or places trigger it for you? Identify what causes the habit to emerge so that you can control it when it does happen.

Set up a plan of action and follow through on it consistently over time until the new habit becomes established and no longer requires willpower or effort on your part.