How to get rid of bad habits?

Do you have a bad habit that you want to overcome? What are the stages that people go through to overcome bad habits?

There is no person that is perfect. Each one of us has flaws and bad habits that we would like to get rid of. Sometimes, it could be frustrating as it takes a lot of work and commitment to stop doing something you are accustomed to doing.

To overcome and get rid of bad habits, follow the below steps:

1. Ignorance

At this stage, you might not be familiar with the bad habit that you have and want to get rid of. It could be that you were not aware of it or someone didn't tell you about it or any other reason.

None of us is perfect, so you need to look at yourself and be honest. Search for the bad habits that you want to overcome. Ask yourself, do you really want to improve yourself and grow as a person?

2. Recognition

When you discover that you have a bad habit you want to overcome or one of your friends informs you of it, then know that you are passing the second phase to overcome and get rid of bad habits.

You might feel afraid or frustrated when you learn about this habit that you want to overcome and you might also start asking yourself questions like:
What my friends are going to say about me?
How will I mingle and deal with my friends who practice this habit?

3. Preparation and planning

Once your recognize the bad habit that you want to overcome, you will begin contemplating how to change this habit and when you will overcome it. You have to begin thinking of the best possible ways to overcome the bad habit as this will change your life for the better.

4. Action

At this stage, you are ready to take action and begin to take the first steps that will help you get rid of the bad habits. There are many people that plan, but fail to take action. Learn to take action right away and not to procrastinate.
5. Follow up
This could be the longest of all stages. At this stage, you have to know the causes that could make you go back to the habit that you want to overcome, so you can avoid those causes in the future.

Always remember what Rob Gilbert said, "First we form habits, then they form us. Conquer your bad habits or they will conquer you."