Overcoming Bad Habits

At some point in our lives, we have all struggled with a bad habit, one that often seems small at first. These habits can range from smoking, overthinking, procrastinating, gossiping, impulsive spending, to more serious issues like alcohol or drug abuse.

It’s a conversation worth having.

I recently started reading ‘The Power of Habit’ by Charles Duhigg, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. A solid 10 out of 10.

Whether you are battling gambling, pornography, alcohol, drugs or even overeating, this book reveals one powerful truth: bad habits can be broken. Duhigg explains that while changing a habit isn’t always quick, easy or simple, it is possible.

That insight really stuck with me.

I’ll be referencing this book often because it opened my eyes to just how deeply habits shape our lives. What starts as a seemingly harmless action can become routine, automatic, effortless and sometimes incredibly destructive. There’s a saying: “old habits die hard”. And it’s true. But with the right mindset, old habits can be killed.

Almost everything in life has two sides – positives and negatives. That same principle applies with habits. There are good and bad habits. Exercising, praying, reading or journaling are positive habits. Gambling, substance abuse or blaming others are bad habits that are destructive and can rob us of our peace, time, money and purpose.

The key insight from Duhigg is this: by tweaking small parts of our routine, we can interrupt even the most stubborn habits.

Take gambling, for example. If your gambling addiction relies on having physical cash or coins, one simple adjustment, like choosing not to carry cash, can completely break the habit’s cycle. Because when the trigger is removed, the routine can begin to lose its power. If the bar you usually hang out at has a gambling machine, consider switching to one that doesn’t.

Let me share a personal story.

I am a coffee snob, completely addicted to it. Whether it’s an Americano, cappuccino, or anything in between, I’m all in. At one point, I was drinking up to four cups a day.

Why? Because my environment made it incredibly easy. Everyone around me drinks coffee, we have a top-notch machine at work, and best of all, it’s free and unlimited for staff. The temptation was just too hard to resist.

But how did I end up here, I thought to myself.

I realised that every time I took a short stretch break, I would crave a cup of coffee. I didn’t need the coffee, I needed the break. But the two became connected in my mind. So, I decided to change one part of that routine: instead of leaving my office to stretch (and pass by the machine), I now do my breaks right at my desk – same mental reset, but without the coffee trigger.

It’s been nearly two months now, and it’s working. It wasn’t easy, but it’s possible and that is what matters.

Why am I sharing this? Because I want to encourage my fellow men to take control of your habits. Whether it’s alcohol, overspending, pornography, drugs or any other addiction you can change, your life doesn’t have to revolve around destructive routines.

Here is a fun fact: you simply need the right shift in perspective and the willingness to begin.

Whatever bad habit you are struggling with, it didn’t form in a day, and it won’t disappear in a day either. But what you can do is take that first small step. Adjust your routines bit by bit.

These small changes may seem insignificant at first, but over time, they begin to compound. Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, and before you know it, you will look back and realise you have made real progress.

You’ll find that the habit that once controlled you has lost its grip. You’ll realise you didn’t just manage it, you conquered it.

– Meneer_SK is an advocate for men’s grooming and all matters relating to men. Follow him on Instagram @Meneer_SK

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