As much as you don't like to admit it, you are the only one who has authority over your behaviors and actions. Only you can take responsibility for yourself. That's not something most people like doing, because it's a lot easier to let someone else be responsible. It is easy to pass the buck, and the blame, onto someone else.

     The key is to locate the reason for the bad behavior.

     For example, suppose you know that you're late for everything-for meetings, for appointments, for work, etc. Your boss pulls you aside and informs you that if you're late for work one more time, you'll be fired. Lo and behold, you're late for work the very next day and you lose your job.

     At this point you have to ask yourself, "Why do I run late?" Really think about why you do the specific behavior and be honest with yourself. Perhaps you like pushing the envelope. Or maybe you don't like your job so you're waiting until the last minute to get there. Or perhaps you try to pack so much into each minute of the day that no one could possibly keep your schedule and be on time.

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     Today and tomorrow, Promotional Consultant Today will explore several steps you can take to correct bad habits. 

Change Your Mindset

     If you can't change your situation, then you have to change your mindset. Suppose you discover that you're always late because you don't have the passion you once had for your job. While you'd love to look for another job that may not be feasible right now-you have to stay where you are because you need the paycheck.

     Instead of giving up and telling yourself, "I'm always late no matter what I do," say, "I am always punctual and make my appointments and deadlines on time." At first you may feel like you're just saying meaningless words. You may even feel silly. That's normal. That's also the part you have to get over.

     The point of changing your mindset is to change your focus. Only then can you change yourself.

Focus On What You Like

     If you don't like some aspect of your life, then stop focusing on that and start focusing on the one thing you do like about your current situation--no matter how small it may be. To find the one kernel of happiness that can inspire you, ask yourself, "What keeps me going?"

     If you dislike one of your co-workers, do you like your clients-your boss-or the fact that you get a regular paycheck? Pinpoint that one thing. Focus on the money you earn, and what the paycheck gives you: Money to pay your bills, take a vacation, to send the kids to school, etc.

     Think about the positive aspects of your current situation. This will give you a reason to eliminate that bad habit.

     Tomorrow we'll look at visualization, journaling and time.

     Source: Tamara Vaughn is a speaker, and the author of the upcoming book, The PowerShift Principle: Empowering Yourself through Life's Challenges. She has 17 years experience practicing law, and 10 years of life coaching, seminars and workshops.