I recently received this question from a reader and am really pleased that I feel I can offer some advice on the matter.

The first thing, after you have accurately identified that which you would like to change, is to make up your mind with unwavering will power that you are going to change this habit. The good news is, as humans, we are creatures of habit- so to go from one habit to another is more easily done than one would think. This is really useful if you can shift a ‘bad’ habit to a ‘good’ one.

So, look at what you are trying to change and replace the ‘bad’ with a good habit you want to cultivate. An example would be, “I don’t want to overeat anymore” so you replace that thought with, “I drink a glass of water before each meal to help regulate my appetite.” The important thing here is to replace the thoughts associated with the bad habit with new ones corresponding to a good habit you want to develop.

It comes back to the law of the Universe- where you put your mind and attention is what you will reap. So, even if you are thinking “I don’t want to do that” you are affirming it by putting energy there.

I am really an advocate of making up your mind and just doing it! However, if you find this too difficult at first, you can start small and work your way up to the bigger goal of some of these very routine habits we all form. By exercising your will power, it will grow and so will your ability to quickly re-focus your energy and create the habits that are healthy for you.

Finally, environment is the strongest influence. So, if your habit is contingent on being around a certain person or people, you may want to spend less (or more, depending on which way you are going) time in their presence. Once you have built up your new habit you can go back to your normal schedule.