Wash, rinse, repeat: Breaking the cycle of bad habits

Wash, rinse, repeat! This can be the mundane cycle in our lives. We start something, it doesn’t work out, we complain about it then we turn around and do it again. Does that tune sound familiar to you? Let’s use world renowned genius, Albert Einstein’s, definition of insanity which states “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Many of us complain about relationship issues, dissatisfying jobs, challenges with weight loss or even battle negative thoughts.
If any of those situations sounds like you I’m sure you’re wondering what you can do to finally end the cycle. Let’s take a look at three strategies to break the cycle of “insanity”.
1. Acknowledging that there is a thought, action, or belief that needs to be changed. Change is most genuine and effective when we do it for ourselves and when we can see the areas of our lives that are being negatively affected.
2. Identify what you want and focus on it! From the ongoing cycle I think we all know what we don’t want in our lives from living the experience. Start by making a list of the areas in your life that do you want to change. For example: if you hate your job what type of jobs and tasks do you find enjoyment in or if your unhappy with your mate identify the qualities you believe you deserve and want in a mate.
3. Hold yourself accountable. The best way to hold ourselves accountable to stop making excuses. We have to acknowledge not only that there is a problem but that we are apart of it. If we say we are unhappy with our weight we must acknowledge what our role is in the problem. Is your weight an issue because you are not physically active, are you on a weight inducing medication or are you eating fast food daily. The acknowledgement piece to this scenario is saying I have a problem that needs to be changed. Then saying I can change this cycle by talking to my doctor, working out consistently, eating more fruits and vegetables or avoiding fast food by cooking at home.
We have all been stuck in some cycle in one form or another but now is just as good of a time as waiting until tomorrow or next week to break the cycle. Take a chance by making a commitment to becoming a better you. If it becomes too difficult to do alone don’t be afraid to reach out for help from a friend, relative or trained professional.