Counsels on Wellness

Counsel #1 — Habits Made Healthy

Picture: Counsel #1 — Habits Made Healthy CWe 259.1

Bad habits, whether procrastination, negative thinking, or excessive screen time, can hinder personal growth and distract you from walking in your purpose. The worst part about bad habits is that they form through repetition, providing temporary comfort or distraction but leading to long-term frustration. Breaking bad habits requires intentional effort, self-awareness, and persistence. CWe 259.2

As with anything, you must first identify behaviors that enable your habit — whether that be people, situations, emotions, or thoughts. For example, if your bad habit is eating junk food, make it a goal to stop buying packaged foods and instead buy more fruits, veggies, and healthier alternative snacks with less sodium and cholesterol. It’s important to set achievable goals that fit your schedule and lifestyle while also tracking and measuring your progress to stay accountable. For this process to work, mindfulness is key: focus on the present moment and make conscious decisions to better an area of your life, leaving previous failures in the past. Remember, with dedication and consistency, breaking bad habits is possible with Jesus’ strength and power.^[292] CWe 259.3

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires…” Ephesians 4:22 NIV CWe 259.4

“Bad habits are more easily formed than good habits…” Ellen White in Maranatha, p. 229 CWe 259.5

Reflect: What personal bad habit is restricting your progress? CWe 259.6