Yes, there was a time when I was also caught up in those fun filled vices several of us, with highly impressionable minds, were entangled in. A cigarette hanging loosely from the lips or a twirling golden peg in a whiskey glass was so ‘in’ those days…so chic and macho!
And yet there were many like me, in a world filled with temptations and distractions, secretly yearning for a vice-free life. To be less caught up in a world of self-imagery and more in a utopian state of being. In other words, less of the ‘showing off’ and more of a genuine desire to envision a life unencumbered by the chains of addiction, overindulgence, and unhealthy routines.
For me, the notion of instant transformation was alluring. I’d liked to believe that I could make a resolution, snap my fingers, and suddenly be free of my vices. But the truth is, real change seldom happens overnight. It requires more than just the desire to change; it demands commitment, patience, and resilience.
When we set out with the intention to give up a vice, it’s important to recognize that we are embarking on a journey. This journey is not just about the destination but about the experiences, struggles, and growth we encounter along the way. Accepting this reality is the first step towards success.
So the first step that I took was to take a short break from it all.
This didn’t mean I had to quit cold turkey right away. Instead, I started by setting a short-term goal – a week, a month, or even a day – without indulging in my vice. During this period, I would observe my feelings, cravings, and my ability to cope without the habit.
This break served two purposes. First, it gave me a taste of what life without the vice could be like. Second, it allowed me to experience the journey in manageable steps.
Next, I began embracing the journey.
As I progressed, I focused on the journey rather than the ultimate goal. A vice-free life is not an end state but a continuous process of self-improvement. I embraced the rough weathers and the challenges I knew I will inevitably face. I never viewed these difficulties as setbacks but opportunities to learn more about myself and to build resilience.
To make the journey more enjoyable, I constantly found healthy alternatives to my vice. I engaged in activities that brought me joy and satisfaction. I changed the herd I was in and surrounded myself with supportive people who understood my goals and encouraged my progress. After all they were living the life I was so desperate to live now.
I also realised, more importantly, that accepting rough weathers was no more an alternative.
The journey to a vice-free life is seldom smooth. I knew I would encounter rough weathers – moments of temptation, relapse, and self-doubt. I readied myself to accept these moments as part of the process. Instead of viewing them as failures, I saw them as valuable lessons. Each challenge I overcame strengthened my resolve and brought me closer to my goal.
At this juncture I would advise, that it’s crucial to have a plan for these rough patches. Identify your triggers and develop strategies to cope with them. Whether it’s through mindfulness, physical activity, or seeking support from friends and professionals, having a toolkit to manage difficult moments can make all the difference.
And finally, I discovered within me an amazing Power of Persistence.
Ultimately, the key to achieving a vice-free and healthy life lies in persistence. The journey is not a straight path but a series of ups and downs. But if you stay committed to your goal, and remember why you started it at the first place, you can well succeed in eventually giving up your vices without much of a resistance.
While the idea of a vice-free life is appealing, the true essence of this goal lies in the journey. By taking a break from your vice, embracing the challenges, and persistently striving towards your goal, you can easily transform your life.
Accept that rough weathers will come, but with each step, you are becoming stronger and more resilient.
My success story lay in the fact that I quite literally, enjoyed the journey and hence, the destination followed naturally and with little resistance.
So, wake up to celebrating life! Wake up to celebrating YOU!!
See you soon…
Anand
