Willpower Makes It Worse

Using your willpower—that aspect of your consciousness—to try to change a habit is notoriously hard.

You have to be sneakier than that. And, honestly, more appreciative. Most habits had a good reason for starting—they want to protect you, even if they are reacting with, and to, outdated information.

So don't use will. Don't scold. Usually it just makes the habit more entrenched. You can influence your habits, just not with a frontal assault. Use the softer side of your consciousness—especially your ability to direct your attention—and the habit can lighten up. How you notice—precisely, attentively, with a tender regard—is where your habit-morphing power lies.