Leo Babauta made a good point on his blog Zen Habits (http://zenhabits.net/) this morning, regarding willpower and bad habits.
In many cases, people who want to break a bad habit assume that willpower is the most important element involved. Leo suggests that this isn't true. In fact, it might even be destructive.
Rather, the best way to break a bad habit is to replace it with a good habit. As Leo suggests, "Bad habits fill real needs." Consequently, willing a bad habit away simply leaves an unfulfilled need, and that's no good. In short, willpower alone doesn't seem to correct the issue of which a bad habit is a mere symptom.
So rather than destroying bad habits for no reason, Leo suggests replacing the bad habit with a good habit. The benefits can be numerous. For one, the good habit fulfills the underlying need which originally produced the bad habit. For instance, the need to binge drink so as to socialize might be replaced by a book club, or a running club that meets regularly. As might then be imagined, the good habit could also bring along with it those benefits that make the habit "good" in the first place. Joining a book club not only helps you meet people, but it also encourages regular reading. Joining a running club not only helps a you socialize, but it also helps you exercise reguarly, which is believed to aid health and mental function.
So Leo makes a good point. Humans have needs, and sometimes we fulfill them with destructive or distracting habits. These habits serve a function, even if they have unsavory consequences. Find a more beneficial substitute, and much good may come of it.
A happy Friday to you all :)
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