Changing Our Habits

I read somewhere, that "The only way to solve problems is to confront them at the very onset and work them out completely. Effective solutions cannot take place unless the time is taken to clearly evaluate the situation. To solve a problem one must see it clearly and find an appropriate remedy."

You see, a lot of what we do, we do out of habit. Many of our behaviours are based on the accumulation of all previous experiences, starting in infancy.

These habits are major obstacles to change. Habitual ways of thinking, feeling, talking and behaving are often roadblocks that stand between where you are today and where you really want to go. Habits explain what we refer to as the ‘comfort zone.' That is to say, if you do not make a decision to do something in a different fashion, you'll keep on doing the same thing indefinitely. For instance, you might continue working at the same job, associate with the same people, eat the same foods, or watch television as you have always done: basically living your life the same way day by day.

Now, habits are good as long as they are serving you properly, as long as they continue to enrich and improve your life. But, if you start to feel out of control and the habits become major obstacles to your happiness, you must modify them.

Over the past month, I've heard many people say things like: "summer will be difficult because there are so many birthdays, weddings and barbecues." If you find yourself thinking this way, reflect on whether you might be making presumptions about your habits under these circumstances...does this mean you must continue to do the same thing summer after summer? I DOUBT IT. We can change! BUT, we must have a desire to change.

So, this summer, recognize, visualize or write down the situations that have been challenging for you in the past. What can you change now? Do you still have to eat the same way you did last summer or the summer before?

If your goal is to lose some weight, then don't make the assumption that you "can't control yourself" under certain circumstances; that is just a habit. You can change, but only if you are willing to do so.

While you are at a social event this summer, you need to have two similar thought processes occurring. The first is visualize what your short term goal is, and second, have an awareness that you are going to stop eating when you are satisfied, not full. By doing this, you'll focus on controlling your portions and food choices.

Habits can be changed, but you must be WILLING to change. Accept that you will learn to CONTROL the amounts of food you eat. Write down your goals. Stick to them. Don't ever give up on yourself. You can do it!

Dr. Doug