Breaking Bad Habits in Your Life

Few things in life are as good as we think they are.

Believe it or not, there’s even a scientific term for that phenomenon. It’s called the Better-Than-Average Effect. In short, our tendency is to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to.

We don’t sing as well as we think we do.
We don’t eat or exercise as healthy as we should.
We minimize our addictions.
We downplay our depression.
We believe that our marriages are healthier than they are.

When things seem better than they really are, we’re less likely to put ourselves through the discomfort of making improvements. But God is committed to our growth. He’s at work every day to make us more like Jesus. Proverbs 1:5a says, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning.” Romans 12 describes the renewal and transformation of our minds. And Galatians 5:22 details the fruit of the Spirit that the Lord is cultivating in our lives.

Even when we are willing to work toward change, we often take an ineffective approach, like focusing exclusively on our external behaviors (waking up earlier, eating fewer calories, going to the gym, etc.) instead of addressing the core issues driving our choices.

How do we make lasting changes when our own momentum seems to carry us toward giving up on our goals instead of staying committed?

We’re answering that question on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Breaking Bad Habits in Your Life” with our guest Debra Fileta, a professional counselor specializing in relationship and marital issues. She will help you transform your thoughts and feelings through Christ’s power in you, so you can make lasting changes that lead to healthier behaviors, relationships, and life experiences.

Listen to my conversation with Debra on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, via Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

Before I close, I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Debra’s book, Reset: Powerful Habits to Own Your Thoughts, Understand Your Feelings and Change Your Life as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

If you feel stuck in unhealthy or dangerous patterns, we have caring Christian counselors on staff and it would be their privilege to offer you a free consultation. Call us, leave your name and number, and they’ll get back to you as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).