Table of contents:
- How to help a partner change bad habits
- 1. Help find targets to be achieved
- 2. Build a positive atmosphere
- 3. Changing the point of view when responding to partner mistakes
- 4. Make good habits feel easier to do
- 5. Participate in good habits together
You may not be able to change the bad habits of anyone, including your partner. However, when your partner has the intention of leaving his bad behavior, the best thing you can do is provide genuine support without stopping.
Support from those closest to you is one of the strongest motivations for people who want to improve their habits. Then, how do you show that support?
How to help a partner change bad habits
Your partner certainly needs a lot of time to really change his bad habits. During this period, you need to be patient and show supportive attitudes such as:
1. Help find targets to be achieved
Purposeless change isn't going to get your partner anywhere. So, the first step that needs to be done before helping to change bad habits of a partner is to get him to find long-term goals.
Help your partner set a big goal to achieve. Then break down that big goal into a few simpler daily goals. Remind your partner that big goals cannot be achieved without meeting small goals.
2. Build a positive atmosphere
The most important thing you should emphasize to yourself when helping to change your partner's bad habits is to build a positive atmosphere. Avoid fighting, speaking in a high tone, let alone letting things get out of hand.
If you are able to build a positive atmosphere, your partner will attribute all of the effort he does to the positive emotions he is feeling. This certainly makes him more enthusiastic about doing good habits.
3. Changing the point of view when responding to partner mistakes
Changing bad habits is a long process, and your partner will probably still make mistakes. However, don't assume that your partner is doing something wrong on purpose or because they don't love you.
Try to understand that your partner didn't do anything wrong to hurt you. Then, convey your criticism in an appropriate manner. This will not only be an encouragement to your partner, it will also make you feel better.
4. Make good habits feel easier to do
Basically, humans are more motivated to carry out activities that are considered easy. In order for your partner to do good habits more often, you can play an active role by making these habits feel easier and faster.
For example, if your partner wants to improve their diet, try serving up a bowl of fruit or boiled eggs as a snack. If he is trying to quit smoking, you may be able to divert him to other activities or provide candy.
5. Participate in good habits together
Self-motivation can rise and fall quickly if it's not supported by the people closest to you. It's not just your partner, anyone will find it difficult to change bad habits if they live alone.
Overcome these obstacles by participating in good habits with your partner. Apart from helping your partner, you can also get benefits. In addition, an activity feels more fun when it is done with loved ones.
Your partner won't be able to change a bad habit unless he really intends to do it. As a partner, the right steps you can take are provide support and be patient.
The process is certainly not easy, but the payoff will be worth the effort. Give your partner the opportunity to start changing, and sooner or later you will see progress.