“How to Develop Good Habits and Avoid Bad Ones: A Guide from The Economic Times”

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Finding Freedom From Habits – How Concentration and Will Power Can Help

We’ve all had a good habit or bad one to break at some point or another. It’s natural and nothing to be ashamed of. The good news is that there’s an effective and proven technique that can help you achieve freedom from unhealthy habits and instill healthy ones in your life.

Using Concentration and Willpower to Achieve Breakthroughs

When it comes to creating a good habit or destroying a bad one, the key is to concentrate on the brain cells, which are the storehouse of the mechanisms of habits. To form a new habit, the best strategy is to meditate and focus one’s attention on the Christ centre – the centre of will between the eyebrows. Then, with the concentration firmly fixed at this point, deeply affirm the good habit that you want to instal.

If you’re trying to get rid of unwanted habits, it’s also helpful to visualise yourself at the Christ centre and to deeply affirm that all the grooves of the bad habit are erased. With patience and willpower, even the deepest grooves of long-standing habits can be released, giving you more control of your life.

For example, if you’re struggling with addiction to smoking, consider repeating the following to yourself, “The habit of smoking has long been lodged in my brain. Now, I put all my attention and concentration on my brain and I will that habit to be dislodged.” Remember to repeat this command as often as possible, particularly in the morning when your will and attention are fresh.

Banishing Unwanted Habits and Instilling New Ones in a Year

Perhaps you have another problem in the form of frequent outbursts of anger that leaves you feeling regretful afterwards. This can be addressed through a combination of daily mental affirmations and careful observation. Start by constantly reminding yourself of the change you want to make and then monitor your behaviour to watch for signs of improvement. The first few days may be tough but by sticking with it, you’ll notice a gradual shift in your behaviour. After a year of consistent effort, it’s very possible to completely transform your life.

Countless individuals have used this technique to see real changes in their habits, so don’t forget to keep up your effort and use the willpower that Paramahansa Yogananda highlighted on his birth anniversary (January 5th) to help you on your journey.

With the right techniques and the right mindset, you can find the freedom to be your true self.