OMG! I just got back from my year long vacation from blogging. I can't believe it has been a year- well over a year (2/2/24), since my last blog post which was by a guest blogger. The truth is that I'm currently doing an e-newsletter that builds on the previous week's content and this coming week's content would have been too long, so I turned it into a blog instead. To be honest with you, most of my e-newsletters could be blogs because they can be that long. LOL! So, why not take the opportunity to expand back out into blogging when I feel the length be lengthening?! Right! So, I've been sharing about the compound effect of doing something consistently over time to build new and healthy habits to get the results you want. Next, I was going to share the 5 strategies for eliminating bad habits one week at a time. You ready for the first one? Yeah? Okay. Number One- Identify Your Triggers!
Why Identifying Triggers is a Game-Changer
Triggers are the little (or big) nudges that get your habits rolling. They can be anything from your surroundings to your emotions or specific situations. Nailing down these triggers gives you the power to tackle the root causes of your habits head-on.
Why Bother with Triggers?
Understanding your triggers helps you:
Spot Patterns: See the connections and break the chain.
Take Charge: Gain control and steer your behavior in the right direction.
Fuel Change: Empower yourself to make mindful choices.
Types of Triggers
Let's break down the usual suspects:
Environmental Triggers
Location: Certain places can push your habit buttons.
Time of Day: Specific times might make you reach for that snack or cigarette.
People: Some folks just bring out your habits, good or bad.
Emotional Triggers
Stress: A common culprit behind many habits.
Boredom: Idle time can lead to mindless behaviors.
Anxiety: Heightened emotions often trigger quick fixes.
Situational Triggers
Social Events: Parties, gatherings, and celebrations can be a minefield.
Work-related Stress: Deadlines and meetings might push you to cope in certain ways.
Celebrations: Special occasions can lead to indulgence.
How to Spot Your Triggers
Here’s how to get detective on your habits:
1. Keep a Habit Journal
Note down your habits, when they happen, and the context. Patterns will start to emerge (I shared this with you before).
2. Reflect on Recent Incidents
Think back to recent times you engaged in the habit. What was going on?
3. Use the "What, Where, When, Who, Why" Method
Ask yourself these five questions for each habit instance:
What was the behavior?
Where were you?
When did it happen?
Who were you with?
Why did you do it?
4. Seek Feedback from Others
Ask friends or family if they've noticed any triggers for your habits. They might see what you miss.
5. Pay Attention to Your Emotions
Notice your feelings before and after the habit. Emotional triggers can be subtle but powerful.
6. Experiment with Small Changes
Try tweaking your routine and see the impact on your habits.
Managing Your Triggers
Once you've ID'd your triggers, it's time to manage them like a boss:
1. Create a Trigger-free Zone
Remove or minimize those environmental cues.
2. Swap Bad Habits with Good Ones
Replace the unhealthy with healthier options.
3. Plan Your Moves
Be ready for situations that usually trigger your habits and have a game plan.
4. Practice Mindfulness
Stay present and respond to triggers thoughtfully.
5. Get Some Backup
Lean on friends, family, or support groups for extra strength.
Wrapping It Up
Identifying your triggers is the secret sauce to ditching bad habits. By figuring out what prompts your behaviors, you can craft strategies to manage or avoid them. The goal? Swap out bad habits for good ones and make lasting changes!
Thanks for sticking with me, and I hope these tips help you rock your habit transformation journey. Heck! I know it will because I'm going to keep sharing (hopefully) helpful curated information with you and you're going to keep taking consistent action!
If anything resonated with you or you have blog topic recommendations, I welcome you to leave a comment below or reach out to me for a free consultation to get help in an area of your life or a change/transformation you want to begin this year! Also please share this blog!
Until next time...stay locked in and keep blazing!
To learn about upcoming events: Events | Kenya Carr
Comments