To overcome any bad habit, you need to be aware of the push-pull tension that accompanies change. Instead of being pulled forward into the change cycle to reach your goal of a new normal, you can let old, comfortable, bad habits push you back into unhealthy behaviors. The feeling that draws you back to your old habits is from the ease and familiarity of your comfort zone. The habits of your comfort zone (your old behavior) are efficient and comfortable but when you want to change, you have to fight through these feelings so you persist through the skill development phase of establishing new habits. ​This struggle is labeled the “push-pull reality" and is present in EVERY man and woman who has a desire to change patterns in thinking or behavior. This feeling is different from and should not be mislabeled as anxiety. It is this struggle that is responsible for the temporary feeling of performance tension generated from the learning process (Appendix 1F).

 

​The push-pull reality is temporary because it is only present during the learning phase; the time between learning a new skill (phase 2) and making it an unconscious habit (phase 4). Phase 1 of the learning process is your desire/motivation to reach a goal - a pull towards something that kick starts the change process and pulls you through it (motivates you to persist). Performance tension causes a brief drop in confidence as you build the necessary skills and this uncomfortable feeling is the stimuli which tempts you to quit and return back to your previous state. This desire to return to what you are comfortable with keeps you stuck in the past and stunts your growth (2 Peter 2:22). 

• Consider reading Appendix 1C, Appendix 1K, Appendix 1L and Appendix 20 for an in-depth look at how an inaccurate view of self can sabotage your progress.

 

Applied to unhealthy addictions means that you'll struggle most with relapses during phase three of the learning process. Learning to persist through the tension of biological, psychological and social change keeps anxiety at bay and prevents relapses. The Holy Spirit is the power source that pulls you up through the challenge art of learning, resilience and endurance. Reliance on His strength equips you for victory over bad habits.

• Read more about each of the four phases of learning in Appendix 1F.

 

​As a new person in Christ, change is constant. You are being pulled forward by the Holy Spirit toward new, Godly habits which is a constant state of learning for a Christian. The truth of the Word of God is our Spiritual food - sustainable when eaten daily (John 17:3, 17:17, Matthew 4:4, https://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-food.html). Over time and with continued practice, these Godly habits will be second-nature and will become your NEW comfort zone, one in which you say “no” to old triggers and “yes” to the new Godly ones (Galatians 6:7-8, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Peter 1:3-4). (Triggers are anything that reminds you to go back to your OLD comfort zone.) You know you have become dependent upon the Triune God when you ask Him to fill you with the power of the Holy Spirit to pull you up to reach these new healthy habits (Luke 11:13, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, 1 Corinthians 10:13).​