Binge Resolutions

We have a binge culture in New Zealand. And I'm not just talking about alcohol. We have a tendency to take things to the extreme here. It's a little dark secret that tries to hide behind all the amazingly wonderful attributes of living in NZ. But it spills out into the news headlines all the time. New Years is a great time to make resolutions (not that I endorse this - it's just a trigger for sorting out your life) so here's a tip for the road:

If you have resolved to give up a binge habit (okay lets call it what it is - an addiction) there is one very simple thing you can do to help - stop hanging around the stuff. (That's the sort of amazing wisdom I can come up with!) Well it's not rocket science, but when you are addicted to something it can be quite startling to hear.
If you are a binge drinker, stop hanging out with drunks. If binge eating is your demon, don't go near a smorgasbord. Drugs - druggies, porn - the internet, gaming - the gaming device. The list goes on. Change your environment, even if that means your friend circle.

Now let's talk about friends. 'Cause this is a biggy. It may be you started your binge-ing because of them, to impress, to fit in, or maybe they joined you. When you make a decision to change your life for the better, if they are your real friends they will respect that and give you the space you need to employ self discipline. You are not de-friending them - just placing yourself in a different environment until such time as it is second nature to NOT binge. Explain that to them.

Here are the friends you most definitely need to give up: guilt, shame, and fear. These are wolves dressed up in lambskins. Their tongues are full of vicious, manipulative lies and yet they call you friend, BFF; they need you, they can't live without you. They are right - if you stop listening to them they will cease to exist.

Then there are the flatterers: self obsession and excuses. They tell you how wonderful you are, that you can do anything you like even if it hurts others, that YOU are the only important factor and your happiness alone is what counts. Only lets take stock - how happy have you been going down this path? Yes. Not very.

2013 most definitely will be a new year. It is full of potential which you are in full control of. Dump the stuff that is holding you back from making a change.