Girls’ Life – July 2019

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life

GL AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2019 53

QUICK FIX: It’s natural to defend

yourself when you’re being called

out. But before you start firing off

those excuses, think about whether

you’re really at fault. If so, say

sorry and move on. Owning up to

your actions can be tough, but it’ll

show that you’re mature enough to

realize you’re not perfect.

Bad Habit #5

“I’LL DO IT LATER”

WHAT YOU’RE REALLY SAYING: I don’t

want to do it, so I’m stalling.

OTHERS SEE YOU AS... exactly what

you are, a procrastinator.

QUICK FIX: As easy as it is to lounge

on the couch (yet) again, that lit

report isn’t going anywhere. So

instead of ignoring the essay until it’s

due, work on it every day in chunks.

It’s practical, and it’ll save you from

stress and late nights (and, hey,

maybe even earn you a better grade).

Bad Habit #6

BEING GLUED TO YOUR PHONE

WHAT YOU’RE REALLY SAYING: I am

not engaged in what’s around me.

OTHERS SEE YOU AS... interested in

anything other than them.

QUICK FIX: We love our devices, too,

but true connection only comes

from interacting with people IRL.

So all you need to do is put down

your phone, right? Nope. Studies

have shown that even the mere

sight of a phone keeps people on

edge because you’ll get an alert in

3...2...bzzt!). So stash it and actually

be social, not just be on social.

Bad Habit #7

GOSSIPING

WHAT YOU’RE REALLY SAYING: I’m not

interesting enough on my own.

OTHERS SEE YOU AS... a mean girl

who can’t be trusted.

QUICK FIX: Flip things around for a

second and think about this: What

if you were the one everyone was

whispering about? You’d feel pretty

awful, right? Next time you’re

bursting to blab over lunch about

so-and-so not getting invited to

you-know-who’s bash this weekend,

keep the info to yourself.

Bad Habit #8

NOT ACCEPTING COMPLIMENTS

WHAT YOU’RE REALLY SAYING: I really

don’t like myself.

OTHERS SEE YOU AS... kinda negative.

QUICK FIX: Bae tells you they like

your new haircut? Don’t shrug and

tell them that it’s too short or that

you hate the bangs. Say, “Thank

you!” Sure, they may be the sweet-

est crush on Earth, but we’re betting

they’re telling the truth. So accept

that you are pretty great—and bask

in those kind words, girl.

BEFORE THE

FIRST DAY

1. PRACTICE,
   PRACTICE, PRAC-
   TICE. Change
   takes time for a
   new habit to stick
   (scientists say 66
   days). Remind
   yourself of your
   aim on the regular
   (and repeat!).
   2. ACCEPT SLIP-
   UPS. Take a deep
   breath, promise
   yourself you
   won’t repeat the
   habit again and
   then move on. No
   making excuses
   or dwelling about
   what went wrong.
   3. VISUALIZE
   THIS. Envision
   how much more
   amazing your life
   would be if you
   stuck with your
   pledge. Looks
   good, no? Flash
   to that if you feel
   yourself slipping.
   4. REMEMBER:
   THIS IS HARD.
   Honesty alert! It’s
   not easy to leave
   bad habits in the
   dust. It’s going to
   take a little bit
   of discipline, but
   just keep trying
   your hardest.
   5. PAY UP. Stuff
   a dollar in a jar
   every day you
   stick with your
   new habit. At the
   end of the month?
   Treat yourself, or
   see how much you
   can save by being
   your best self.

5 ways

to make the good

stuff stick

Raise your hand if you’ve

ever bailed on busting

a bad habit. All of you?

OK, keep reading...