Dallas Bragg argues that all-or-nothing thinking sabotages habit change. When he quit trying to eliminate caffeine entirely and allowed himself one cup a day instead, he actually stuck with it and felt more in control of his choices.
Number 1, life can be this and that. First, you have to begin with the notion that life is, is not one way or the other, because when you think that way, it leads to stagnation. Accepting that life is shades of gray is going to set your mind free. Conceptualize the habit you want to change and neutralize the thought that you'll never do that again. Sets you up for failure. I tried to cut caffeine out completely and failed every time. It was black or white, this or that. Instead, ask, how could I mindfully alter this habit and set myself up for success? I decided that I was a person who drinks 1 cup of coffee per day, a shade of gray. Let me tell you, the pleasure I derive from drinking coffee now, knowing it's my 1 cup of the day, has increased exponentially. I find so much gratitude in the mornings now with that cup of coffee, and I've created— A new aspect of my personality. That's the biggest part. Me, I created it. I'm in control of my caffeine consumption. I'm in control of my personality.
