Intellectually understanding a habit does not help us adopt or remove it and yet 99% of the time that is how we approach it.

Removing a bad habit or an addiction is only possible if we have a visceral insight and understanding of why we keep repeating the behavior. Usually we repeat it, because it is serving us in some way.

The starting point therefore is to find out how the habit is serving us. In the case of smoking it may be that we’ve grown accustomed to the soothing effect of both nicotine and of stepping away from work or social interactions.

Subsequently, we delve into the underlying reasons for our constant need for solace. What is it about our circumstance, environment or relationships that contributes to the perpetual need to be pacified?

As we go down this rabbit hole we typically arrive at some deep-seated existential assumptions. These are assumptions that we make about ourselves that are so deeply rooted that we’re usually not aware we’re constantly making them. It may be something like: “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t connect with others”.

Often when we reach such an existential assumption, we experience a sense of liberation or catharsis. This is because our body may have been in a constant physical holding pattern to match the mental construct. Now that the assumption has been recognized for what it is, this pattern can be let go of.

Don’t get me wrong, this path is far from easy. It is, however a powerful and empowering approach vis à vis the convenient excuse of a chemical addiction.