Choose You: How Breaking Bad Habits Builds Authentic Confidence and Peace
Jun 11, 2025
We all have habits we’d like to change.
Maybe you scroll your phone for hours without meaning to.
Maybe you keep reaching for that sugary snack (even when you’re not hungry).
Maybe you say ‘yes’ to things you don’t really want to do, just to keep the peace.
Whatever your habit is – you’re not alone. And the good news? You can change it. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to overhaul your whole life. You just need a few small steps, and a kind approach. And releasing what is not helping you live your Best Life helps you build confidence. It also helps you live a life more aligned with your authentic self, and brings peace, as you are closer to who you want to be - your future self, living your Best Life. Once you break your bad habits, it's no longer in the back of your mind, and you're not berating yourself over it any more.
So - now that we know we want to change some of our habits - how can we break them?
Step 1: Get Clear on the Habit
The first step to changing a habit is to notice it. Sounds simple, right? But so many of our habits run on autopilot. (Our subconscious is around 95% of our mind – and is very powerful! Bringing bad habits into our conscious mind, through awareness, is a great first step.) Once at work I was told that I sigh a lot when talking with customers - obviously not ideal. Once it was brought to my conscious awareness, I was able to change it reasonably fast.
To become more aware of a habit we would like to change, we can ask ourselves some questions.
- When does this habit usually happen?
- What triggers it?
- How do I feel before and after?
If you're struggling with answers, you could ask friends, family, or colleagues - or even journal to see what comes up. Or perhaps you'd prefer to work it out yourself over time. Either way, it's worth doing, as awareness is powerful. When you understand what’s really going on, you can start to gently shift it.
Step 2: Know Your ‘Why’
Changing habits can feel hard – but having a clear reason can make it easier. What would life look like if you let go of this habit?
Maybe you’d feel healthier, calmer, more confident, or more present with loved ones.
Write down your ‘why.’ Keep it somewhere you can see it – on your fridge, your mirror, or in your phone. If it helps, you could do this in picture form. For example, if you want to stop spending money on clothes, put a picture of a what or where you’d rather spend the money where you’ll see – maybe even a picture of a holiday on your purse? Or if you want to stop eating when you’re bored, put a photo on the fridge/cupboards to remind you of how you want look/feel. I have some inspiring pictures around me, as well as some inspiring quotes, and look at them often. Let it remind you of the life you’re creating - and your future self, living your Best Life.
Step 3: Choose One Tiny Change
Instead of trying to ‘fix everything,’ focus on one small step. Try to keep it clear and simple, such as the examples below.
- If your habit is late-night snacking, try drinking a glass of water first.
- If you’re always rushing, try leaving five minutes earlier.
- If you keep hitting snooze, try putting your alarm on the other side of the room.
When I wanted to change drinking hot chocolate to instead drinking more herbal tea, I bought a lot of herbal teas to try, and put them at the front of the cupboard, hiding the hot chocolate ingredients away so they were hard to get to. The trick is to make it small and doable. When you succeed at something tiny, you feel good – and that motivates you to keep going.
Step 4: Be Kind to Yourself
You might slip up. That’s okay. You’re human.
Breaking habits isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being consistent enough and gentle enough that you can keep going.
Speak kindly to yourself, just like you would to a friend.
- ‘That’s okay, I’m learning.’
- ‘Tomorrow’s a new day.’
- ‘I’m proud of myself for trying.’
Being mean to yourself is not going to help you. You want to support yourself through this change that you’re making. (If I ever catch myself being mean to myself, I immediately apologize, and change it to something kind instead)
Step 5: Celebrate Every Win
Did you make one small change today? That’s worth celebrating!
Did you pause and notice the habit, even if you didn’t change it? That’s progress too.
Every tiny step counts. Over time, they add up to something big.
This is something that took a little time for me to implement, however I do try to congratulate or praise myself whenever I do something that is forward progress on who I wish to be, and/or where I wish to go.
Want Some Extra Support?
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’ve created a free 7-Day Break Bad Habits Challenge just for you. It’s simple, supportive, and designed to help you take gentle action every day for a week.
🧡 You’ll get daily tips, encouragement, and easy ideas you can actually do.
🧡 No pressure. No guilt. Just kind, helpful steps toward feeling more in control.
👉 Click here to join the free 7-Day Challenge and get started
You’ve got this.
And we’ve got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Bad Habits ❤️
Q - What’s the best way to start breaking a bad habit?
A - Start small. Choose one habit, and focus on just one tiny step at a time. For example, if you want to stop mindless snacking, you might start by pausing, and taking a breath before you eat. Or perhaps having a small glass or water instead. Small steps really do add up!
Q - How long does it take to break a habit?
A - Everyone is different, but research shows it can take anywhere from 21 to 66 days to form a new habit, or change an old one. That’s why our free 7-day challenge to help you break bad habits is a great way to get started – it builds positive momentum. And you can always continue it!
Q - What if I mess up or forget to do the daily step?
A - No problem at all. Slipping up is part of the process. Be kind to yourself, and just keep going. Progress isn’t about being perfect – it’s about showing up again and again. Change can take time - and that's ok!
Q - Do I need anything special to do the free 7-Day Challenge?
A - Nope! Just a bit of time each day (5–10 minutes), an open heart, and a willingness to reflect. A journal and a cozy spot to sit can help too, but they’re optional.
Q - Is this challenge suitable for busy people?
A - Absolutely! It’s designed with busy lives in mind. Everything is short, simple, and easy to fit into your day – even if you only have a few minutes.
Q - Can I do the challenge with a friend or group?
A - Yes! Doing the challenge with someone else can make it even more fun and motivating. Feel free to share the link with a friend or invite them to join you.
Q - How do I join the 7-Day Break Bad Habits Challenge?
A - Just click here to sign up – it’s completely free, and you’ll get everything delivered straight to your inbox.
References/Further Reading
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2012/01/breaking-bad-habits
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-break-a-bad-habit-202205022736
Additional Resources
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📝 Disclaimer
The information in this blog is for general educational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with your doctor, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a health or mental health condition.
Everyone’s journey is different, and while these tips may be helpful for many people, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Take what works for you, and feel free to leave the rest.
Your Best Life Academy is here to support your growth, not to give medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice.
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