What do you do to break out of patterns of behavior(bad habits) that keep you stuck or going in circles?

Question:

I am a life coach who deals specifically with individuals who are having issues moving forward. I am always open to new ideas about how people get themselves out of the ruts they create for themselves. We all find ourselves in these cycles of non-productive behavior from time to time. Sometimes it is easy to break the cycle and sometimes we need a little help. Sometimes it is something major like a "mid-life crisis" where we find ourselves at a point where we are searching for meaning. Anyway, I would love to get some new perspectives on this subject. Thanks!

Answers:
Over the years, I have learned 40 power principles that I believe govern every aspect of human living, and guarantee success for anyone who learns to live in harmony with these principles. Obviously, I don't have the space to discuss all 40 of them here, but I will share with you two sets of these principles--14 in number, categorized as "The Thinking & Perspective Principles", and the "Continual Action Principles."
Using these principles, I have changed from a life of crime and prison to being a productive contributor to society. I have overcome challenges of dropping out of school and amassing a series of self-destructive and community-endangering habits.
Consider the thinking and perspective principles:
1.I learned to change my thinking and when I did, I also . . .
2. Learned to change my beliefs, and when I did, I also . . .
3. Learned to change my expectations, and when I did, I also . . .
4. Learned to change my attitude, and when I did, I also . . .
5. Learned to change my behavior, and when I did, I also . . .
6. Learned to change my performances, and when I did, I also . . .
7. Learned to change my life.
Now the continual action principles
1. I learned to get started, and to . . .
2. Become and remain teachable, and to . . .
3. Become and remain coach-able, and to . . .
4. Master systems and process thinking, and to . . .
5. Work smart, and to . . .
6. Work hard, and to . . .
7. Never quit.
For a complete look at these principles, please email me at:
milton@miltoncjordansr.com and I will send you an invitation to join one of my Yahoo Groups where these principles are revealed in full.

Other Answers:
Breaking out of the comfort zone! Doing things in a way you've never done them, or doing things you've never done. Start with something non-threatening (take a salsa class, try a new food, go out to dinner alone, volunteer at a one-day event.) Move up to bigger risks: ride the bus to work, instead of drive, take a class in your worst subject, ask the boss for a raise! Learn that change is supposed to cause a little discomfort in our lives. Growth is challenging, but worth it.

I have beat alot of habbits by looking at it like this.does this have me?Or do I have this?I am one to want to be in control.I am stronger than any substance.And sometimes when that does not work,I put the devil in it..This drug is the devil's tool.AM I a slave to the Devil?Hell no. I have been just like you describe..cant move forward, non-productive behaviour, in a rut.etc.

In the Military I was a machine. I had a very strict routine..and someone that helped push me to keep me going. I felt great and organzied and motivated.

can seem to get all that back now it makes me crazy and makes my wife nuts too.

the thing that helps me is to actually take time to sit down and think about my life. I don't really keep a routine and that is actually one of my bad habits. Because then I complain my life is so chaotic. When i force myself to look at my problems and think about them I tend to find ways to help myself. Like simply putting up a mail holder by the door that holds keys saves me time, because now when i come in I put the keys by the door. I don't have to rush around getting mad because I don't know where my keys are. The worst bad habit I have never been able to break is procrastination. I think i just like rush I get by having to do so much at once to get something done even though I know I would enjoy life more if I didn't rush some things. Maybe they should go to a professional therapist instead of phoney-baloney "life coaching." What are your credentials anyway?

I honestly believe that breaking the routine is the best way to get out of a rut. It doesn't have to be a major change. Something as simple as taking a different route to work, taking a class in something you like, or starting a new hobby, can help break behavioral patterns. Spontaneity is liberating; don't let life dictate your every move, and don't be afraid to try new things.

I don't know the answer but thanks for posting this question! Reason? this is exactly where I am in my life trying to break old destructive routines, the answers you've rec'vd have really opened my eyes

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What do you do to break out of patterns of behavior(bad habits) that keep you stuck or going in circles?

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