TIP 10 : Swap a Vicious Cycle for a Virtuous Cycle

If you want to get rid of a bad habit that is making you unhappy , you must do a “ stop and swap ” - not just a stop . You must replace the old vicious habit with a new virtuous habit .

For example ...

When I wanted our dog , Pablo , to stop chewing on my slippers , I gave Pablo something “ virtuous ” to chew on : a yummy bone .

Likewise ...

If you want to stop your sugarcraving self from chewing on too many jellybeans , try swapping in a virtuous habit like knitting .

If you want to stop your misbehaving mind from chewing on negative thoughts , try swapping in a virtuous habit like thinking of a specific positive mantra .