Be You Emotion Coach

In the journey of life, there are moments when we desire change — whether it’s altering certain habits, transforming our physical appearance, or adjusting our behavior. We may aspire to quit smoking, consume less alcohol, or engage in regular gym sessions. One day, motivated by a newfound determination, we wake up and commit to a new rule: perhaps daily gym visits or resisting the temptation of a piece of cake. Initially, we feel a sense of accomplishment, but as time passes, adhering to the new resolution becomes increasingly challenging. While some manage to sustain the change, more often than not, we find ourselves reverting to the familiar and comfortable —our old habits.

Your passage is well-written and conveys a thoughtful perspective on overcoming bad habits. However, I’ve made a few minor corrections for clarity and flow:

“Let’s set aside the topic of addiction in the article below. Addiction or heavy consumption of alcohol or drugs, for example, is, in my opinion, much more complex. If you want to quit consuming drugs, please also seek medical help.

Going back to the habit itself. In our life, we have bad habits (bad diet, no sport, social alcohol, or cigarette consumption), and we have been practicing those habits for quite a loooong time. I think more than once, we all experience that path:

• We want to get fit.
• From one day to another, we start a strict diet, and why not? We enroll in the gym.
• In the initial period, we are very committed to the new actions (diet and sport), and we are enthusiastic about the future results; we dream about our new shape.
• Then it starts to be a bit hard: results take time to appear, motivation starts to low, and we miss eating a little piece of cake, or a pizza, or cheese… and we push ourselves to go to the gym but don’t really enjoy it.
• After a while, we just give up and get back to the old habits.

So, how do we truly change? How do we make it without just pushing ourselves endlessly? It’s quite challenging, isn’t it?

I’ve been smoking for more than a decade, neglected exercise for years, and had unhealthy eating and drinking habits. Quitting smoking wasn’t that difficult, and now it’s not a big deal. In my identity, I am not a smoker.

I was overweight for a while, but I managed to shed those extra 10 kilograms. Even though I’m not skinny, I’ve rid myself of the obsession with eternal dieting.

I returned to sports. During the pandemic, I almost forgot the concept of exercise. However, for several months now, I’ve been consistently going to the gym, at least four times a week, without forcing myself.

Now, my new project is quitting regular alcohol consumption. I can’t say I’ve mastered it yet, but it’s in progress.

So, how do you succeed and avoid failure in the attempt?

I believe four things are fundamental to me :
– having a good and deep reason to do so.
– being conscious of the long-term benefits.
– changing your inner identity.
– celebrating every victory.

Having a good and deep reason: What does that mean? Is being on a diet to look good a good enough reason? It is a valid reason, but for whom do you want to look good—for yourself or because society tells you to? Is it really a deep reason? In my mind, it’s not a deep enough reason. Each time I tried for that reason, I failed. However, when the reason became internal—not to look good, but to feel good about myself, with the body I inhabit—that’s when I found success.

Being conscious of the long-term benefits: This reflection is not about feeling guilty or being hard on myself. It’s about respecting myself, my integrity, and my body. The benefits are significant, not just in mindset but also in health. It’s not short-term improvement; it’s long-term and enduring.

Changing your inner identity: The process is not about trying to quit smoking or trying to follow a good diet; it’s about changing our core inner identity. Believe deeply in what you do and who you are. You’re not trying; you are! Take responsibility for your actions and your success or failure. Trust yourself; you can and will succeed.

Celebrating every victory: Being healthy, sportive, a non-smoker, or a non-drinker is not guaranteed. Quitting bad habits is not a piece of cake. If you manage to do it, you’ve achieved something significant. Celebrate your victory, acknowledge your strength, and recognize the good job you’re doing. Plan activities to reward yourself for weekly and monthly victories; you deserve it!

I hope this lengthy article inspires you to take and follow the pace of change to maintain the good habits you want in your life!

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Be You Emotion Coach