Principles & Practice of Health Evangelism
Chapter 14-A
Therapeutic Behavior Change
Part A: The Stages of Change
Textbook pages 122-132
Overview
This is the most important chapter of this book. Behavior change lies at the heart of every self-help program. All health evangelism programs are about behavior change. Modern psychological models have been developed which accurately describe the mental and physical steps people take when they change their behavior for the better. One of these models will be reviewed briefly in this chapter.
Some people are successful in their own strength in giving up a bad habit or overcoming an addiction. The psychological and sociological disciplines have studied these successful people. There is a common process underlying most behavior change. These steps document how people change.
These models describe how some people changed their behavior, but just because someone else was successful doesn’t mean that you are going to be successful if you try the same steps. These behavior change models describe what some people have done to change their behavior, but these models fail to help most people who want to change their behavior. Most people who are stuck in a harmful habit or addiction just cannot make these models work. These models may motivate but do not enable people to change.
Here is the problem. Just because some are successful in behavior change doesn’t mean that others will be able to follow in their footsteps. Just because you have identified the incremental steps that eventually lead to behavior change in one person doesn’t mean that someone else is going to be able to take that same journey. For some it is a matter of motivation. For others it is a matter of ability. Millions want to change but cannot.
Inability to change is fundamentally a spiritual problem that is described in many places in scripture. Among the more famous texts in this regard are the following.
These texts refer not only to spiritual aspects of our lives but the mental and physical dimensions as well. We all have behaviors that we need to change. We all can change some behaviors on our own, but every one of us has at least one, and usually multiple behavioral problems, that we just cannot permanently change no matter how much effort we put into it or how many times we try.
The human will, in and of itself, is not capable of producing permanent change in the life. This applies to the physical and mental dimensions of our life as well as the spiritual. Notice this quotation:
Here is the solution for everyone. God has the power to change us. The more times we have failed on our own, the more wonderful is the deliverance we gain through a relationship with Jesus Christ. This deliverance is what the world needs. Health evangelism programs bring addictions and bad habits face to face with Christ. Health evangelism programs should do this simply and in a straightforward manner without bringing up more advanced doctrinal issues.
In your health evangelism program do not be hesitant about this. Promise permanent deliverance to everyone who attends your program. This type of deliverance is a miracle. It is your privilege to be the messenger of this good news. The realization of miraculous behavior change will thrill many in your audience. As they come to experience previously elusive success, they will confirm these miraculous changes have occurred as a result of God’s power.
This is a faith-healing service but not in the tradition of the modern faith-healing services we see around us today. The miracles I see are not a cure for lung cancer but a miraculous deliverance from the tobacco addiction. I do not see cures for cirrhosis of the liver, but deliverance from alcoholism through the power of God. I do not see a cure of arthritic knees in the overweight glutton, but I do see successful weight loss with God’s help. I do not see very many miracles that cure diseases so much as I see miracles resulting in changed behaviors that cause disease.
Despite these miraculous deliverances from harmful habits and addictions, the church hasn’t been very supportive of health evangelism. The church is certain about eternal salvation through Jesus Christ but has been decidedly less certain about how Jesus delivers a person from harmful behaviors, habits, and addictions.
Some might deny this, but I ask you to articulate the doctrine of behavior change as it relates to harmful health practices. Sermons are not preached on this topic. Church members are generally not encouraged to change unhealthy behaviors except for cigarette smoking and public alcohol drinking. Overweight and obesity resulting from gluttony is entirely overlooked by pastors and church members alike.
There is a considerable difference of opinion among pastors and teachers as to how behavior change is accomplished through a relationship with Jesus. There is broad agreement that behavior change can occur through a relationship with Jesus, but the steps haven’t been formalized very well. The details are fuzzy.
Most churches and denominations focus on their own unique and distinctive doctrines as these are important for denominational affiliation. Behavior change issues are often postponed until after you accept the doctrines of the church and often, they are overlooked entirely.
Habits and addictions are problems that equally afflict members of all churches and denominations. I think the fear among many pastors and churches is that focusing on problems such as obesity, poor nutritional habits, and a sedentary lifestyle will result in a label of “legalism” -- a kind of salvation by works. Pastors have told me that church members are already guilt-ridden to begin with. If the church harps on common behavior problems, the guilt would only increase. This could result in members transferring to another church where they will be left alone. Giving is also likely to be affected.
In the following section I develop the doctrine of how God helps people change behavior. This material is a synthesis of principles from the Holy Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. I will also use some concepts on behavior change from a book, Changing for Good by J. O. Prochaska, et al. I will also utilize some concepts on addiction from the book, Addiction and Obesity by G. May, M.D. In addition, I will relate principles from my own experience conducting health evangelism programs over the last 50 years.
Some people are successful in their own strength in giving up a bad habit or overcoming an addiction. The psychological and sociological disciplines have studied these successful people. There is a common process underlying most behavior change. These steps document how people change.
These models describe how some people changed their behavior, but just because someone else was successful doesn’t mean that you are going to be successful if you try the same steps. These behavior change models describe what some people have done to change their behavior, but these models fail to help most people who want to change their behavior. Most people who are stuck in a harmful habit or addiction just cannot make these models work. These models may motivate but do not enable people to change.
Here is the problem. Just because some are successful in behavior change doesn’t mean that others will be able to follow in their footsteps. Just because you have identified the incremental steps that eventually lead to behavior change in one person doesn’t mean that someone else is going to be able to take that same journey. For some it is a matter of motivation. For others it is a matter of ability. Millions want to change but cannot.
Inability to change is fundamentally a spiritual problem that is described in many places in scripture. Among the more famous texts in this regard are the following.
- “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil” Jeremiah 13:23 (NKJV)
- “For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.” Rom 7:14-19 (NKJV)
These texts refer not only to spiritual aspects of our lives but the mental and physical dimensions as well. We all have behaviors that we need to change. We all can change some behaviors on our own, but every one of us has at least one, and usually multiple behavioral problems, that we just cannot permanently change no matter how much effort we put into it or how many times we try.
The human will, in and of itself, is not capable of producing permanent change in the life. This applies to the physical and mental dimensions of our life as well as the spiritual. Notice this quotation:
- “Man cannot transform himself by the exercise of his will. He possesses no power by which this change can be effected. The leaven -- something wholly from without -- must be put into the meal before the desired change can be wrought in it. So the grace of God must be received by the sinner before he can be fitted for the kingdom of glory. All the culture and education which the world can give will fail of making a degraded child of sin a child of heaven. The renewing energy must come from God. The change can be made only by the Holy Spirit. All who would be saved, high or low, rich or poor, must submit to the working of this power. Christ's Object Lessons 96-97
Here is the solution for everyone. God has the power to change us. The more times we have failed on our own, the more wonderful is the deliverance we gain through a relationship with Jesus Christ. This deliverance is what the world needs. Health evangelism programs bring addictions and bad habits face to face with Christ. Health evangelism programs should do this simply and in a straightforward manner without bringing up more advanced doctrinal issues.
In your health evangelism program do not be hesitant about this. Promise permanent deliverance to everyone who attends your program. This type of deliverance is a miracle. It is your privilege to be the messenger of this good news. The realization of miraculous behavior change will thrill many in your audience. As they come to experience previously elusive success, they will confirm these miraculous changes have occurred as a result of God’s power.
This is a faith-healing service but not in the tradition of the modern faith-healing services we see around us today. The miracles I see are not a cure for lung cancer but a miraculous deliverance from the tobacco addiction. I do not see cures for cirrhosis of the liver, but deliverance from alcoholism through the power of God. I do not see a cure of arthritic knees in the overweight glutton, but I do see successful weight loss with God’s help. I do not see very many miracles that cure diseases so much as I see miracles resulting in changed behaviors that cause disease.
Despite these miraculous deliverances from harmful habits and addictions, the church hasn’t been very supportive of health evangelism. The church is certain about eternal salvation through Jesus Christ but has been decidedly less certain about how Jesus delivers a person from harmful behaviors, habits, and addictions.
Some might deny this, but I ask you to articulate the doctrine of behavior change as it relates to harmful health practices. Sermons are not preached on this topic. Church members are generally not encouraged to change unhealthy behaviors except for cigarette smoking and public alcohol drinking. Overweight and obesity resulting from gluttony is entirely overlooked by pastors and church members alike.
There is a considerable difference of opinion among pastors and teachers as to how behavior change is accomplished through a relationship with Jesus. There is broad agreement that behavior change can occur through a relationship with Jesus, but the steps haven’t been formalized very well. The details are fuzzy.
Most churches and denominations focus on their own unique and distinctive doctrines as these are important for denominational affiliation. Behavior change issues are often postponed until after you accept the doctrines of the church and often, they are overlooked entirely.
Habits and addictions are problems that equally afflict members of all churches and denominations. I think the fear among many pastors and churches is that focusing on problems such as obesity, poor nutritional habits, and a sedentary lifestyle will result in a label of “legalism” -- a kind of salvation by works. Pastors have told me that church members are already guilt-ridden to begin with. If the church harps on common behavior problems, the guilt would only increase. This could result in members transferring to another church where they will be left alone. Giving is also likely to be affected.
In the following section I develop the doctrine of how God helps people change behavior. This material is a synthesis of principles from the Holy Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. I will also use some concepts on behavior change from a book, Changing for Good by J. O. Prochaska, et al. I will also utilize some concepts on addiction from the book, Addiction and Obesity by G. May, M.D. In addition, I will relate principles from my own experience conducting health evangelism programs over the last 50 years.
Awareness of a Problem
(Pre-contemplative) There are many people who are simply unaware that they have a behavior that will lead to a loss of health. These people are not necessarily stuck in a bad behavior; they just do not perceive their problem. They have never tried to change their behavior because they do not think they have any bad behaviors.
These persons feel safe. They are not afraid of failure. They have no guilt. They do not feel any family or social pressure to change. Some would say that if people are not aware of something then it really isn’t a problem, but this isn’t true. This is a difficult group to reach. Waiting for these people to develop a few symptoms that will wake them up to the reality of their situation is painful for us to watch and risky for them. Too often the first sign of heart disease is sudden death.
The longer people wait to change, the more difficult change becomes. Behavior change programs are more effective in reducing the risk of disease and death when the interventions occur early in a person’s life before permanent damage has been done.
How do you motivate people to change who do not know that they are at risk for anything? These people will not attend a health evangelism program because they do not recognize their problem. What to do? There is something you can do and there is something God can do.
Wake up the unaware by education. A direct appeal might be helpful, but you cannot push someone into action if they are not ready to act. Nagging is repetitive and often backfires. At the same time, you shouldn’t give up your efforts. Apathy on your part may communicate a lack of caring about the problem. Do not be an enabler who helps a problem persist. Do not buy beer, wine, cigarettes, ice-cream, cake, or cookies for anyone if these are part of their problem.
God is the One who finally wakes us up to our problems and motivates us to change. (But we must be "open" to His promptings.) God works in the life long before we are aware of who He is or our need for His help in our lives. God will bring an awareness of problems to our attention. The mind may wake up slowly or suddenly, but it will be the drawing, wooing of God that wakes us up to the dangers we face if we persist in health destroying behaviors
This unconscious drawing of persons to God is described in the following passages:
So where does the motivation for change come from? It comes from God. You should pray that God will wake up those who would benefit from your health evangelism program. You can educate, but unless God wakens the desire for change it will not occur. Be content to leave the unmotivated in the hands of God. God will continue to try to wake them up.
These persons feel safe. They are not afraid of failure. They have no guilt. They do not feel any family or social pressure to change. Some would say that if people are not aware of something then it really isn’t a problem, but this isn’t true. This is a difficult group to reach. Waiting for these people to develop a few symptoms that will wake them up to the reality of their situation is painful for us to watch and risky for them. Too often the first sign of heart disease is sudden death.
The longer people wait to change, the more difficult change becomes. Behavior change programs are more effective in reducing the risk of disease and death when the interventions occur early in a person’s life before permanent damage has been done.
How do you motivate people to change who do not know that they are at risk for anything? These people will not attend a health evangelism program because they do not recognize their problem. What to do? There is something you can do and there is something God can do.
Wake up the unaware by education. A direct appeal might be helpful, but you cannot push someone into action if they are not ready to act. Nagging is repetitive and often backfires. At the same time, you shouldn’t give up your efforts. Apathy on your part may communicate a lack of caring about the problem. Do not be an enabler who helps a problem persist. Do not buy beer, wine, cigarettes, ice-cream, cake, or cookies for anyone if these are part of their problem.
God is the One who finally wakes us up to our problems and motivates us to change. (But we must be "open" to His promptings.) God works in the life long before we are aware of who He is or our need for His help in our lives. God will bring an awareness of problems to our attention. The mind may wake up slowly or suddenly, but it will be the drawing, wooing of God that wakes us up to the dangers we face if we persist in health destroying behaviors
This unconscious drawing of persons to God is described in the following passages:
- “It is true that men sometimes become ashamed of their sinful ways and give up some of their evil habits before they are conscious that they are being drawn to Christ. But whenever they make an effort to reform, from a sincere desire to do right, it is the power of Christ that is drawing them. An influence of which they are unconscious works upon the soul, and the conscience is quickened and the outward life is amended.” Vol 2 Mind, Character, and Personality 600.
- “Christ is the source of every right impulse. He is the only one that can implant in the heart enmity against sin. Every desire for truth and purity, every conviction of our own sinfulness, is an evidence that His Spirit is moving upon our hearts. Steps to Christ 26.
So where does the motivation for change come from? It comes from God. You should pray that God will wake up those who would benefit from your health evangelism program. You can educate, but unless God wakens the desire for change it will not occur. Be content to leave the unmotivated in the hands of God. God will continue to try to wake them up.
Thinking about Change
(Contemplative) Once a person becomes aware of a health problem, they begin to think about changing. Thinking about changing represents some progress toward the goal of healthful living. Those who contemplate change, really do want to change. They intend to change someday -- but not today.
Those who want to change worry a lot but do not get around to working on their health problems. They are worried about heart attacks, cancer, obesity, addiction, cirrhosis and on and on, but they do not get around to doing something about it. This is because they are also worried about cravings, mental anguish, grieving, sadness, and loss, associated with efforts to change. Change requires a mental and physical struggle. It takes a high level of motivation to finally get around to doing something about destructive behaviors that lead to disease.
Many who want to change are looking for an easy, foolproof plan that will work for them. A plan is helpful because it organizes the process of change. A plan outlines the steps you must take and warns you to lookout for pitfalls of various types. Many will want a plan they can work on in the privacy of their own homes, just by themselves. Do not worry about these people. Others will do better in a structured program, in a group setting. A health evangelism program, conducted in your church will be just what they need.
Those who want to change worry a lot but do not get around to working on their health problems. They are worried about heart attacks, cancer, obesity, addiction, cirrhosis and on and on, but they do not get around to doing something about it. This is because they are also worried about cravings, mental anguish, grieving, sadness, and loss, associated with efforts to change. Change requires a mental and physical struggle. It takes a high level of motivation to finally get around to doing something about destructive behaviors that lead to disease.
Many who want to change are looking for an easy, foolproof plan that will work for them. A plan is helpful because it organizes the process of change. A plan outlines the steps you must take and warns you to lookout for pitfalls of various types. Many will want a plan they can work on in the privacy of their own homes, just by themselves. Do not worry about these people. Others will do better in a structured program, in a group setting. A health evangelism program, conducted in your church will be just what they need.
Preparation for Behavior Change
(Preparation) Many who change will make preparation for behavior change. Preparation readies you to take action and prepares you to handle unexpected challenges. Commitment is the most important element in preparation for change. Commitment is a high level of motivation that fully devotes the will to the process of change. At the point of commitment all ambivalence is lost, and courage is high. Certainty of success is in view.
As part of the commitment process, developing and signing a formal contract is often useful. Setting a definite date to change puts the process of quitting clearly in motion. These concepts can all be incorporated into your health evangelism program.
Going public with your commitment to change is also helpful. It is more shameful to fail in front of friends and colleagues. Going public provides you with a high level of motivation not to fail because you know that others are watching your progress. Of course, your health evangelism program is a public program and helps provide motivation for your audience as well.
As part of the commitment process, developing and signing a formal contract is often useful. Setting a definite date to change puts the process of quitting clearly in motion. These concepts can all be incorporated into your health evangelism program.
Going public with your commitment to change is also helpful. It is more shameful to fail in front of friends and colleagues. Going public provides you with a high level of motivation not to fail because you know that others are watching your progress. Of course, your health evangelism program is a public program and helps provide motivation for your audience as well.
Action
(Action) This is actively working on your problem. Your health evangelism program is all about action. Your program should focus on the process of giving up old behaviors and working on new behaviors. There are some specific things you can do to help yourself. Many of these things have a general application to all behavior changes. These activities are reviewed here.
Diversions are helpful in getting people to drop old behaviors. Diversions keep you from focusing on the pain and difficulty in breaking old habits and addictions. Keep the mind and body busy. Do things that occupy the mind with other things that have nothing to do with your old behaviors. Focus your energy on new behaviors, projects, and activities. The possibilities are endless.
Exercise is important in helping you change behavior. Exercise results in an improved body image. A person experiences increased energy, metabolism, and cardiovascular function. Those who exercise have less anxiety and depression and they sleep well. Exercise decreases physical and emotional pain. There are also benefits to body fat and cholesterol levels. Design regular exercise into your health evangelism programs.
Relaxation is an important ingredient in achieving success. Changing behavior is hard emotional and physical work. The battle will often leave you exhausted. There is a need for frequent periods of rest during the struggle. Your prescription should include early to bed, a quiet work and home environment, body positioning that is comfortable, comfortable clothes, and a letting go of other concerns that might be a trigger for relapse.
Counter thinking is a mind game. Your mind will suggest dozens of reasons as to why you should return to your old ways. Rehearse positive responses in your mind. Use the logic and authority of your mind to keep yourself in your new behaviors. Irrational thoughts should be countered by the reality of what you are accomplishing.
Prayer is the most important key to success. Prayer will be a new experience for many in your audience. Many who are agnostics, atheists, or nonreligious people in your audience will actually try prayer at your suggestion. This is not because they know and believe in God, but they are in a desperate situation and are willing to try almost anything to experience deliverance from their behavioral problem. Of course, this is just what God wants. God delights to answer the prayers of all who are struggling. God is willing to surprise someone with success who has never known Him before. What a great way to be introduced to a helping God.
Here are two famous texts which have a bearing on behavior change and prayer. A section that follows will deal in greater detail with specifics on the help that God gives to those who ask for help in changing behavior.
Mrs. White indicates that it is when prayer is neglected that temptations come upon us. Prayer opens heaven’s resources to help us overcome.
When you have prayed to God for help, you need to act. You must act as if you have received the help for which you asked. God’s help in overcoming will now be blended with the effort you make. Success will be certain.
Assertiveness is helpful. Communicate your thoughts, feelings, wishes and intentions clearly. Positive talk influences your ability to respond. Hearing yourself speak positively helps you to act positively.
Your Environment. It is helpful, as far as possible, to control the environment in which you live and work. Avoid people, places or things that might trip you up. This is not a sign of weakness or poor self-control. Do not invite temptation but rather avoid it as much as possible. You may not be able to avoid all tempting situations but remaining steadfast in the face of temptation is easier the more distance and time there is between you and your old habits and addictions.
Cues that Trigger Cravings. Avoid these kinds of cues. Destructive behaviors are usually triggered by certain cues in the environment. Smokers light up with a cup of coffee or after a meal. For every habit there are dozens of cues that need to be dealt with. Identify and then avoid as many cues as you can. Doing this will be easier if you can identify them in your mind beforehand, and if you can practice what you will say or tell yourself if you encounter one of these triggers for your addiction.
Reminders. It is helpful to leave reminders to yourself in various places. These are positive messages confirming the wisdom of the new behaviors you are modeling. Write messages of encouragement to yourself. Reminders strategically placed at home and at work will go a long way to keep your new behaviors in view and help you forget the old behaviors you are trying to change. Video reminders from supportive family members can be reviewed when temptation strikes.
Rewards are useful. When you give up bad habits, you usually save some money. Reward yourself on a regular basis for the progress you are making. This is important on anniversaries at one week, one month, and one year.
Support from others. Utilize the sympathy and support of family, friends, and colleagues as you change. They will be supportive and will lend a listening ear to the struggles you are facing. They will rejoice when you rejoice. These close ones will confirm you in your new behavior and celebrate each victory with you.
Diversions are helpful in getting people to drop old behaviors. Diversions keep you from focusing on the pain and difficulty in breaking old habits and addictions. Keep the mind and body busy. Do things that occupy the mind with other things that have nothing to do with your old behaviors. Focus your energy on new behaviors, projects, and activities. The possibilities are endless.
Exercise is important in helping you change behavior. Exercise results in an improved body image. A person experiences increased energy, metabolism, and cardiovascular function. Those who exercise have less anxiety and depression and they sleep well. Exercise decreases physical and emotional pain. There are also benefits to body fat and cholesterol levels. Design regular exercise into your health evangelism programs.
Relaxation is an important ingredient in achieving success. Changing behavior is hard emotional and physical work. The battle will often leave you exhausted. There is a need for frequent periods of rest during the struggle. Your prescription should include early to bed, a quiet work and home environment, body positioning that is comfortable, comfortable clothes, and a letting go of other concerns that might be a trigger for relapse.
Counter thinking is a mind game. Your mind will suggest dozens of reasons as to why you should return to your old ways. Rehearse positive responses in your mind. Use the logic and authority of your mind to keep yourself in your new behaviors. Irrational thoughts should be countered by the reality of what you are accomplishing.
Prayer is the most important key to success. Prayer will be a new experience for many in your audience. Many who are agnostics, atheists, or nonreligious people in your audience will actually try prayer at your suggestion. This is not because they know and believe in God, but they are in a desperate situation and are willing to try almost anything to experience deliverance from their behavioral problem. Of course, this is just what God wants. God delights to answer the prayers of all who are struggling. God is willing to surprise someone with success who has never known Him before. What a great way to be introduced to a helping God.
Here are two famous texts which have a bearing on behavior change and prayer. A section that follows will deal in greater detail with specifics on the help that God gives to those who ask for help in changing behavior.
- “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” Matthew 7:7 (NKJV)
- “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” James 1:5 (NKJV)
Mrs. White indicates that it is when prayer is neglected that temptations come upon us. Prayer opens heaven’s resources to help us overcome.
- “The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence?” Steps to Christ, 94-95.
When you have prayed to God for help, you need to act. You must act as if you have received the help for which you asked. God’s help in overcoming will now be blended with the effort you make. Success will be certain.
- “While you pray that you may not be led into temptation, remember that your work does not end with the prayer. You must then answer your own prayer as far as possible, by resisting temptation, and leave that which you cannot do for yourselves for Jesus to do for you. Signs of the Times 11-18-1886.
Assertiveness is helpful. Communicate your thoughts, feelings, wishes and intentions clearly. Positive talk influences your ability to respond. Hearing yourself speak positively helps you to act positively.
Your Environment. It is helpful, as far as possible, to control the environment in which you live and work. Avoid people, places or things that might trip you up. This is not a sign of weakness or poor self-control. Do not invite temptation but rather avoid it as much as possible. You may not be able to avoid all tempting situations but remaining steadfast in the face of temptation is easier the more distance and time there is between you and your old habits and addictions.
Cues that Trigger Cravings. Avoid these kinds of cues. Destructive behaviors are usually triggered by certain cues in the environment. Smokers light up with a cup of coffee or after a meal. For every habit there are dozens of cues that need to be dealt with. Identify and then avoid as many cues as you can. Doing this will be easier if you can identify them in your mind beforehand, and if you can practice what you will say or tell yourself if you encounter one of these triggers for your addiction.
Reminders. It is helpful to leave reminders to yourself in various places. These are positive messages confirming the wisdom of the new behaviors you are modeling. Write messages of encouragement to yourself. Reminders strategically placed at home and at work will go a long way to keep your new behaviors in view and help you forget the old behaviors you are trying to change. Video reminders from supportive family members can be reviewed when temptation strikes.
Rewards are useful. When you give up bad habits, you usually save some money. Reward yourself on a regular basis for the progress you are making. This is important on anniversaries at one week, one month, and one year.
Support from others. Utilize the sympathy and support of family, friends, and colleagues as you change. They will be supportive and will lend a listening ear to the struggles you are facing. They will rejoice when you rejoice. These close ones will confirm you in your new behavior and celebrate each victory with you.