[Discussion] How do you stop a bad habit ?

[Awkward Linguist]

How can one break a cycle of bad habits

 

[V h o]

Depends on the habit, but simply: stop doing it.

 

[paratise]

By seeing shitty conclusions of said habit.

 

[Jazzy Stardust]

Take it one day at a time. Stop for one day and the next day is easier and so on.

The hard part is making it past the first day, that's literally the turning point in the cycle.

 

[AnimusOra]

You need to have strong will power.

 

[jonnieboi05]

You simply stop.

 

[GreenTeaChloe]

Take it one day at a time. Stop for one day and the next day is easier and so on.

The hard part is making it past the first day, that's literally the turning point in the cycle.

This. Take it one day at a time and also have support. Always good to have support.

 

[Punk Hazard]

Depends on the habit, but simply: stop doing it.

"How do you drive?"
"Just do it."

"How do you cook?"
"Just do it."

"How you do open heart surgery?"
"Just do it."

OT: I suggest maybe classical conditioning. Whatever the habit is, force a friend or family member to do something completely unfavorable whenever you do it. For example, put something disgusting in your food. This causes your body to reject the desire to the habit because it's become conditioned to expect the unfavorable thing to accompany it.

 

[ahmo]

Middle finger for those who said anything with "just stop"!!! Like really, ever heard of Adiction or obsession?
Its not like the victim's got preety much choices ya'kno

 

[Callypigia]

Behavior modification for most simple habits. If we are talking about serious addiction it will involve a full change of life coupled with some manner of cognitive behavioral therapy and a strong support system.

 

[NineSNS]

It looks like we didn't help in time.

It depends on what kind of habit it is, but overall a combination of negative reinforcement (to immediately redirect your thoughts) and long-term positive reinforcement works.

For example, when I stopped smoking, I put a rubber band on my wrist and snapped it every time I thought about smoking. My wrist was red for about a week, but it did work. I also started saving the money I usually spent on cigarettes in a separate fund.

 

[Andy Bogard]

If you can challenge yourself to go 20 days or more without said habit, then you should be good. that, or you can do it until it makes you sick(reasonably sick). Or like some others mentioned, have someone give you negative reinforcement for doing it... For a month.

 

[~Ethereal~]

You're banned? *sigh* take it little at a time.

 

[Conspirator.]

Don't try and change it overnight, but do it in small steps. Maybe reward yourself whenever you cut down a little, but get someone else to "punish" you a little when you do the antithesis.

 

[elitenoob94]

Stop doing it. It's hard, but you must toughen up through it.