Bad habits seem to take hold easily while good habits are more elusive, requiring lots of effort.  From a very young age, we mimic the bad habits we see exhibited by other people.  Since bad habits are more prevalent than good ones, there are many to choose from.

Now that you are older, you have the ability to get rid of bad habits by replacing them with good ones.  Bad habits include any behavior that does not bring you desirable results.  You can cultivate good habits at any time, at any age.  What’s needed is a desire to do so, determination, and persistence. 

Here are some suggestions for good habits that will provide unlimited benefits with no negative side effects.  Since habits only form with repetition, you have to keep at it until you achieve your desired results.

Start with cultivating positive self-talk.  Monitor what you say to yourself.  Whenever you catch yourself saying something negative, replace it with the positive alternative.  For example, replace I can’t with I can, I don’t know how with I’ll learn what I need to know, I can’t change with I will change, and it won’t work with there is always a way.

Next, purge negative labels about yourself.  Thoughts such as I’m fat, I’m stupid, I’m a klutz, I’m unlucky, I’m boring, or I’m unattractive become imbedded in your mind.  These negative perceptions then influence your behavior to match the opinion you have of yourself.  Label yourself as you want to be, rather than what you would rather not be.

Focus on solutions instead of dwelling on problems.  Everyone faces problems.  Those who wallow in what is wrong waste all of their energy complaining.  Once you have identified and acknowledged a problem, look for the solution.  There is a solution for every problem.  Devote your efforts to finding it.

Keep things in perspective.  Don’t blow situations out of proportion.  If you look back at past events, they usually seem minor now compared to how you felt at the time.  You will save yourself a lot of anguish by looking forward with hindsight.  Since what ever is happening now won’t be that big a deal when you look back on it, keep it in perspective.

Free yourself from the past.  Don’t lament what has already transpired.  Don’t waste time with what you could have, should have, or would have done.  It’s not possible to turn back time.  Learn from the past to avoid making the same mistakes and move forward. 

Have positive expectations.  Expect the best and expect that everything will work out.  Your mind is a magnet that attracts what you think about.  Your mind doesn’t discriminate.  It works nonstop to bring to reality what you dwell on.  Therefore, concentrate on how you want circumstances to work out.

Recognize that life is a journey of progress, not a collection of ultimatums or all or nothing situations.  Resist setting unrealistic deadlines.  Don’t give up when you haven’t made as much progress as you had planned.

Take responsibility for your life.  Whatever has happened has happened.  The only thing that matters is where you go from here.  Blaming others prevents you from making progress and reaching your goals.  You are the only one who has the power to change and improve your life.  You can’t control others, but you can control what you do and the decisions you make.

Cultivate these good habits and you will experience a positive impact on all you do.  Start with one habit and work on it daily.  The more you practice the better you will get.  After one good habit has taken hold, add another and repeat the process.  Before you know it, you will have many good habits.

NOW AVAILABLE:  "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book.  Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write him c/o this paper.  2009 Bryan Golden

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