Don’t you think it’s time to take action to eliminate your bothersome inclinations?  Every one of us does things that are bothersome to ourselves or others may find troublesome.  At times, we may even have an inclination that’s irritating to us (even though we are the ones doing it), but find ourselves doing it over and over anyway (sounds like insanity to me!!!).

Consider applying these 7 steps to eliminate your bothersome inclinations:

• Identify the issue. In order to eliminate a negative inclination, you first have to notice it.  Negative inclinations do not change.  In taking a moment to recognize these undesirable ways, you have taken the first step toward doing something about them.

• Increase self-awareness. Now that you have the negative inclination identified, notice how it is impacting the relationships you’re trying to grow or that promotion you can’t seem to get.  Negative inclinations result in negative consequences.  Here are some examples for clarity:
  • When you make fun of your friend (the negative inclination) their feelings get hurt or they get angry (the negative consequence).
  • When you eat fast food everyday (the negative inclination), you will gain weight or end up with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes (the negative consequence).

• Make a conscious decision. If you want to release your negative inclination, make the choice to stop.  Instead of saying “Oh I’ll try” say “I will not,” the conscious decision is yours, just do it.

• Create a safety net. Develop a plan that you can use when you backslide into your negative inclination.  The purpose here is to get you back on track.  Make a commitment to recognize when you backslide and then apologize for it immediately.  Most of us do not enjoy apologizing which should help to eliminate the negative inclination.

• Implement a diversion. Some negative inclinations can be overcome by diverting our attention.  Here is an example, when a friend suggests you go out for dinner you could inform them that you have reached your budget for the month for going out to eat.  Focusing on your budget is a great diversion to keep you from eating out so often.  Your bank account will thank you $$$.

• Replace negative inclinations with positive ones. Make a plan in advance to do a specific action each time you find yourself backsliding.  Replacement gives you the opportunity to implement a positive inclination rather than the negative one you are trying to avoid.  Cook or learn to cook rather than eating out, trust me it is a lot cheaper $$$.

• Expect relapses, but cease the old behavior swiftly. When you first start to make the change, you will backslide into your negative inclination.  Stop the behavior the moment you notice it and you will be surprised at how quickly you can rid yourself of that inclination.

If you find that you have more than one negative inclination, I suggest you work on changing one at a time.  Once you have MASTERED one negative inclination, it will be easier to MASTER the others.

Release those negative inclinations and live a life that is positive, healthy & happy.  Your life is filled with plenty of positive actions.  Avoid letting those few negative ones take your life in an unfavorable direction.  The consequences are just not worth it!!!