Is there a “bad” habit that you want to replace with a healthier choice, but struggle to get yourself to do it? You may be paying too much attention to what you think you’ll lose by giving up the habit. Try flipping your perspective.

Good habits are called “good” for a reason. They typically bring about good results in a person’s life, usually far better than any benefits you get from staying stuck in the opposite or “bad” habit. If you’re thinking about making a change in an area of your life, reflect on the consequences of the two choices. If you keep doing what you’re doing now, what will be the short-term and long-term results? What will the negative consequences look like? Be brutally honest with yourself.

Now, think of the positive change, the new habit that you want to implement in this area of your life. What will be hard about it? On the flip side, what will the short-term and long-term benefits be, if you make the change? Imagine in your mind and body, how you would feel if you make this positive change and got it to stick. How would your life be different? Can you see and feel this new version of you? This isn’t an exercise in fantasy. We’re talking about realities here, that’s the point. By focusing on the real effects both positive and negative of the new habits you want to implement, you will be better able to commit to making that habit stick.