Every habit that you think is a problem began as a solution. As my book, The Productivity Chain, points out, even smoking offers many benefits, including a reason to take breaks and breathe deeply. Psychologists call these benefits “secondary gains.” This awareness enables you Turn Bad Habits into Helpful Ones.
When you identify the secondary gains a current habit provides, you can more easily replace it. Do this by ensuring that a new habit offers those same rewards. You can let go of the cigarettes and replace them with walks around the building, for example. The need for a break outside is met through a different means. Before you know it, you Turn Bad Habits into Helpful Ones!