Picking the Lesser Evil

When deciding to make behavior changes in your routine, whether that be from cutting down drinking high, sugary based drinks, smoking less, drinking less, or having less screen time, it seems it can be very difficult when you first start out. Coming from the clubbing scene (yes, in college I used to go clubbing a ton, every weekend til 2-3AM), I can understand where you're coming from.

With that being said, I'll give you 3 guideline tips to help you get started and eventually lessen and hopefully cut out COMPLETELY the vices & temptations that you've been addicted to.

Picking the Lesser Evil

What I mean by this is substitution. Replace what you're addicted to with the what may be the "lesser" evil. For example, if you're a soda drinker, drink zero sugar/diet based alternative. Then once you've transitioned, move on to the lesser evil of that and drink carbonated beverages that are zero sugar.

Next thing you know, you're not drinking soda anymore and controlling your sugar intake! That's why picking the lesser evil is one of the best ways to lessen addiction in anything.

Implement More of the Good

In this case, now your focus has shifted towards healthier options instead of the idea of cutting out and still having your focus on what you're trying to lessen.

If you think of the healthy option more often, there won't be any room to think about what you're attempting to cut out.

Do Your Research/Ask for Help

It's important to always educate yourself with the latest information since research always changes every 5-10 years.

When you learn about the negative effects and seeing how much they outweigh the benefit it gives you, your mindset may shift and make you think twice. Stay woke and continuously read/follow up on research.

When's the last time you read a book/article?

In a journal/Notes App,

Write down what you feel you're attempting to cut down, then create a plan that gets you to lessen that particular thing. I would utilize the SMART goal criteria (a method to set goals broken down from one of my recent newsletters)

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