Action Thursday - 4 Action Steps to Overcome the Habit of Quitting and Develop Persistence

To overcome any habit, a new habit needs to replace the old. And so it is with the habit of quitting. In order for you to overcome it and develop the habit of persistence, you need to practice the new habit until it becomes natural to you.

So here are 4 action steps you can use to empower you from within to overcome the habit of quitting and develop the habit of persistence.

Action Step #1 - Reignite the flame of enthusiasm

Think of the project(s), tasks, courses etc. that you started and then quit because you thought of it as being difficult to complete. Ask yourself if this is something that you'd really love to finish in spite of the challenges. If so, begin to see yourself at the finish line with the project, task or course completed. How does that make you feel? Allow the joy of completion to reignite the flame of your enthusiasm once again.

Action Step #2 - Create a plan for success

You can always 'shift gears' if you need to, but you need to create a plan for success on your project and modify it as you go along. It is better to have a clearly written organized plan of action than to just float around from one part of your project to another. In this way, your mind will be relaxed and organized instead of the stress that comes with being scattered.

Action Step #3 - Create small manageable action steps

Take your plan and break it down into small manageable action steps. Here's the trick: make it big enough so you feel a sense of accomplishment and you're making progress, but small enough so you're not overwhelmed or frustrated. That way you lessen the temptation of giving up.

Action Step #4 - Praise or reward yourself

After you've completed your first small manageable action step, praise yourself or give yourself a reward for a job well done. However you choose to do this is up to you. But the point is to take the time to feel good about what you've accomplished - bask in that feeling for a minute or so. Do the same with each segment you've completed. The energy of praise will give you the boost you need to press forward until you reach your goal.

Bonus question #1 - What happens if you face a difficult situation and you're not sure what to do to fix it, do you still give up?

No. Instead of fuelling the energy of quitting by focusing on it or by becoming frustrated, remove yourself from the project for a minute if you can or just take a few minutes to breathe and release the tension, get quiet, look within and ask for help. Expect the answer to show up as you use the power of concentration to help you.

Bonus question #2 - What happens if you tried but didn't fully complete the small manageable action step?

Beating up on yourself sure isn't going to solve the problem. It's like crying over spilt milk. It's already done. Shake off any guilt and depression and set yourself to try again, and again, and again and did I say, "Again?" if you have to until you succeed. Herein s the habit of persistence until you reach your goal.