If you’re like most people, your New Year’s Resolutions fell by the wayside weeks ago. If you’re also like most people, you may have some negative self-talk about that. “I lack commitment,” etc. But maybe it’s not a character issue at all. Maybe the resolution was coming from a negative place and doomed to failure as a result. This week’s Casey’s eTip: Accept Bad Habits Before Changing Them.
Long-lasting positive change doesn’t come from shame or guilt, from trying to fix an inner flaw. Instead, it is more effective to activiate our positive neural networks by envisioning the benefits and possibilties of the change. You can begin that activation by accepting yourself and your behaviors as they are. You are human. Your habits may no longer work for you but they definitely did in the past or you would not have them. Thank them for their service and release yourself from your judgments about them. In this way, you make your mind and soul ready for new growth.