Last Updated on February 14, 2023 by Christin
Creating new habits can be difficult. You may have all the motivation in the world, but old habits die hard. Every time you try to adopt a new habit, you may find yourself going back to your old ways. Why is this?
There are a few possible explanations:
1. Change is difficult, and our brains resist it.
This resistance to change is due to the fact that our brain has a “reptilian” component that is designed to keep us safe by avoiding unfamiliar territory.
The reptilian brain is responsible for basic survival instincts like eating, drinking, and reproducing. It is also responsible for fight-or-flight responses that help us to avoid danger. This part of the brain is very conservative and resistant to change because its primary goal is to keep us alive and safe.
While the reptilian brain can be a helpful ally in some situations, it can also make it difficult for us to adapt to new circumstances. However, if we can learn to override our reptilian brain’s instinctive reactions, we may be able to embrace change and even thrive in new environments.
2. We get comfortable with our old habits, even if they’re not good for us.
Human beings are creatures of habit. Once we find a routine that works for us, we tend to stick with it, even if it’s not the best thing for us. This can be seen in everything from our eating habits to the way we handle stress.
When we find a coping mechanism that helps us get through difficult times, we’re reluctant to let it go, even if it’s not healthy. This is because change is hard, and it’s often easier to stick with the familiar, even if it’s not good for us.
However, this isn’t an excuse to stay locked into a cycle of bad habits. If we want to live healthier, happier lives, we need to be willing to let go of the things that are holding us back. Only then can we make room for positive change.
3. We may not believe we can actually stick to the new habit.
One of the biggest barriers to making healthy lifestyle changes is a lack of confidence. It can be hard to believe that we can make lasting changes, especially if we have tried and failed in the past.
However, it is important to remember that change is possible. The first step is to identify the healthy habits that we want to adopt. Once we have a clear goal in mind, we can start taking small steps towards achieving it.
For instance, if we want to eat healthier, we can start by adding more fruits and vegetables to our diet. If we want to get more exercise, we can start by going for a walk every day.
10 Affirmations To Use When You Feel Like Going Back To Old Habits
If you find yourself struggling to break old habits, it’s important to have some affirmations on hand to remind yourself that you can do it.
1. I Am in Control Of My Choices
When you’re trying to break an old habit, telling yourself “I am in control of my choices” can be powerful.
It reminds you that you have the power to make healthy choices and that you are ultimately in control of your own life.
This affirmation can help you to stay on track when your old habits start to creep back up.
By reminding yourself that you are in control, you can stay focused on your goals and make progress toward breaking your old habits for good.
2. I Am Capable Of Change
This simple affirmation helps to remind you that you have the power to make positive changes in your life.
It also counteracts negative thinking and provides motivation when you’re struggling to stick to your goals.
By repeating this affirmation, you can remember all of the times that you did change, as well as how much you want to change, and that can help you create lasting change in your life.
3. I Will Not Let My Past Define My Future
Dwelling on the past can prevent us from moving forward. This affirmation can help us to focus on the present and achieve our goals.
Instead of letting the bad habits keep us stuck, we should focus on the present and strive to create new habits that are positive and helpful. It’s okay to look back occasionally, but we should never let our past take hold of us and dictate our future. We are in control of our own destiny, and it’s up to us to make sure that our future is bright.
4. I Am Worthy Of A Better Life
Negative thoughts can creep in as we try to improve our lives and tell us that we are not worthy of something better.
For instance, if you are trying to avoid going back to an unhealthy relationship, you may find yourself justifying the old relationship as something you were worthy of and convince yourself that you are not worthy of a better relationship.
This is just fear and a lack of confidence speaking. You can push through these things if you just keep going forward! As soon as new habits stick, this affirmation is going to feel like a cold hard fact.
5. I Am Strong Enough To Overcome Anything
This affirmation helps to remind you of your inner strength.
You may not feel strong all the time, but it’s important to remember that you are capable of handling whatever comes your way.
If you find yourself struggling, take a deep breath and repeat this affirmation. It can help give you the courage you need to stick with your new habits and avoid going back to old, unhealthy ones.
6. I Deserve To Be Happy And Healthy
This is a great affirmation to use when you’re feeling down about yourself or like going back to your old habits. It’s important to remember that you deserve to be happy and healthy.
You are not your old habits. You don’t deserve to feel the pain or struggle you felt when you had them. You can make the choice to be healthier and happier.
7. I Am Willing To Do What It Takes
If you’re serious about making changes, this is the affirmation for you.
It reminds you that you are willing to do whatever it takes to reach your goals. You are willing to let go of the old habits that kept you stuck and adopt new ones that move you forward.
If you are willing to do it, you CAN do it.
8. I Believe In Myself
This affirmation is great for building self-confidence and motivation.
When you repeat it, you are reminding yourself that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. You can let go of bad habits once and for all.
Believe in your power to do great things.
9. I Embrace Change
This affirmation helps to remind you that change is awesome and exciting. In fact, it’s the whole reason you want to let go of bad habits.
By adopting new habits, change is inevitable. But by going back to old habits, change will never come.
You may not be where you want to be yet, but by repeating this affirmation, you are opening yourself up to whatever change is coming.
10. I Deserve To Be Successful
This affirmation is a great way to boost your self-esteem and keep you motivated.
It reminds you that you are worthy of success. No matter what bad habits you’re trying to break, know that you can do it!
You deserve to let go of old, bad habits and experience new things that bring you joy, peace, satisfaction, and love.
