Filling the Void: Eric Zimmer on Replacing Bad Habits
If we've been doing something for so long, it's such a habit and it's become so mindless and effortless that when we stop doing it, we've got this void there that we need to somehow fill.
Ever wondered why it's so hard to break a bad habit? In this episode of 'The One You Feed', host Eric Zimmer sheds light on a common pitfall many face when trying to change their behavior: dropping old habits without replacing them. Drawing from his own journey through addiction recovery, Eric explains that habits become ingrained in our daily routines, often performed without much thought.
When we suddenly stop these behaviors, we're left with a gap that needs to be filled. Eric emphasizes the importance of finding positive alternatives to fill these voids, ensuring that the underlying needs previously met by the bad habits are still addressed. For instance, if you usually grab a snack when you get home from work and want to stop this habit, simply cutting it out leaves an empty space in your routine.
Instead, Eric suggests replacing it with another activity that fulfills the same need, like going for a walk or calling a friend. He also talks about the significance of keeping triggers consistent but changing the resulting actions to create new, healthier habits. This approach not only helps in breaking the cycle of negative behavior but also makes the new habit as strong as the old one.
Eric's insights are not just theoretical; they come from his personal experience of overcoming addiction. By substituting harmful behaviors with constructive ones, he managed to turn his life around. This episode offers practical advice for anyone struggling to change their habits, providing a roadmap for sustainable transformation. Whether you're trying to quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, or simply adopt a healthier lifestyle, this episode is packed with valuable tips and real-life examples.
Tune in to 'The One You Feed' and learn how to effectively replace your bad habits with positive ones.