Break a Bad Habit

In a world where self-improvement is often undercut by pessimism and fear, some naysayers have come to regard New Year’s Resolutions as little more than wishful thinking. This year, banish that defeatist attitude along with your bad habit! No matter your vice, use these strategies to start your year off on the right foot—and keep traveling in that direction for months to come.

Uncover the stakes. What do you lose by indulging your habit? Is it time? Money? Confidence? How much? Once you’ve quantified whatever it is, decide how you want to redirect those costs in the future. Get excited about the possibilities that will open up once you’ve freed up resources to pursue things you truly value. Having concrete rewards to look forward to will help you stay on track.

Consider your strategy. Are you a cold turkey kind of gal, or will incremental improvement soften the blow of change? Should you share your goal with friends, or keep it to yourself for now? Different methods work for different people, so give the matter some thought..

Distract yourself. Focus on what you can add to your life, not what you are taking away from it. Now is the perfect time to tackle a lighthearted project that will keep you from fixating on the behaviors you’re trying to kick. Start a blog. Redecorate your room. Think fun and exciting, not boring or practical. Your undertaking should be a source of pleasure, not obligation or dread.

Replace the ritual. Some habits, like late-night snacking or watching TV, are things we do out of boredom rather than for pleasure. Think: What could you substitute instead? Could you drink tea instead of eating chips? Could you spend 15 minutes writing in a journal before bed instead of mindlessly flipping through channels? Instead of seeing your swap as a concession, think of it as a new aspect of your self-care routine.

Call for backup. If your habit is fairly innocuous, such as hitting the snooze button or forgetting to wash your face, you may well be able to conquer it on your own. However, it bears noting that more severe addictions can require professional attention—or at least moral support. If you’re struggling with substance abuse, eating disordered behavior or anything else with serious physical and emotional consequences, reach out for help.

Our behaviors do not define us, and our minds are stronger than we think. Good luck, and Happy New Year!

—Emma Aubry Roberts