Investigating root causes of habits/behaviors

Investigating root causes of habits/behaviors

         Do you ever wonder why you or someone you know keeps on dating the same types of people, can’t keep a job long, always out of money, in debt, a people pleaser, mad all the time, a hater, jealous, lazy, getting into the same messes, stuck in the same tired cycle repeatedly? You or they may be good for a few days but something happens that causes you or them to be in a bad mood and back to doing the same thing.
            You or they may have read and tried all types of self-help books, watched you tube videos that you think will make your life better, all the latest fads. Some of those solutions may even help you for a while, but you seem to still fall back into that same hole.
            There is a reason why…All things have a root cause. Collins English dictionary defines root cause as  the fundamental reason for the occurance of a problem. According to MerriamWebster dictionary fundamental means serving as an original or generating source.   
    Therefore the reason why you or someone you know keeps on continuing to do the same thing is because there is a root cause that has not been addressed, fixed (if possible) or even hidden and locked up in the back of the mind. Some examples of root causes are: trauma, difficult childhood, feeling unloved, absent parents, alcoholic parents, abuse to you or abuse in the home, sexual trauma. Generational problems that aren’t stopped, boundaries not taught (like saying no), permissive parents, authoritative parents, racism, sexism, etc. Some of these examples are very harming and if you or someone you know has experienced some of these things and haven’t received any help, I suggest you get help immediately. I am so sorry for what you’ve been through and will be praying for you if you have experienced these things.
            I don’t want to bring up these things for you to dwell on the past and still be stuck in the victim role. I repeat get the help you need so you can move forward and live the life that God intended for you!
            Finding out the root cause of your issue is very important.  Even businesses do root cause analysis for erratic or single behaviors that are outside of their normal parameters, events (like misdiagnosis) and known issues without resolutions, are some examples.
            Here are steps to help you find out the root cause of some of your issues and or behaviors that have you have been experiencing:

• First brainstorm – grab a pen and paper and jot down your issues and behaviors that have been resulting in the same negative outcomes. This will help you to define your problem or problems.
• Second Analyze – how long have I been doing this or having these issues? Bring family and friends in on this to get their input. How has this been impacting my life?
• Third is identify the causal factor, thing, place, person that leads to these issues or behaviors. There is usually more than one.
• Fourth is identify the root cause: Why does the causal factor, thing, place or person exist? What is the real reason for these issues or behaviors?
  • Most human problems come from basic needs like security, identity, purpose, self – worth, belonging, being loved, accomplishment

• Fifth is resolve/solve the problem
  • One of the best solutions out there is getting to know God and Jesus. He has given us these needs so we realize that He is the only one that will always be there for us. He is perfect, us humans are not. We are broken and will eventually be failed by someone, but God will never fail us.

     Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV /It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
      Joshua 1:9 ESV / Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
     1Peter 5:7 ESV / Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
    John 3:16 ESV /“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
   1 John 4:19 ESV /We love because he first loved us
There is so much more verses like these in the ultimate love letter, the Bible.
            Of course, there are other solutions that will help you change. Get an accountability partner, get the counseling help you need, talk to a pastor, mentor or life coach. Watch the company you keep. Be aware of your behaviors, stop, take a step back and think about what you are doing. What will this result in?
     Changing your behaviors and thoughts can take  some time and may hurt a little, but all change stings, even if it’s good for you. Look toward a brighter future, thing positive healthy thoughts about yourself. I made the Root Cause Analysis steps available for you to download or print out.  
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                     Click here for your free Root Cause Analysis worksheet.