What To Do When the Craving Hits

Today’s  memo is in reply to a subscriber’s question.

She asked, “If I could do only one thing to change my bad habit, what would you suggest?”

My answer was immediate:

Wait 10 minutes before you decide what you’re going to do.

The reality is that the urge to engage in our bad habits – whether they are to eat too much, smoke, have a drink, or whatever – usually only last a few minutes. We don’t know that because we “give in so quickly.” However, if you can say to yourself, “I’ll wait 10 minutes before I decide,” most of the time the urge will pass and you’ll have moved past the temptation.

Also, by saying “I’ll wait 10 minutes” instead of “I can’t have it,” your inner rebel doesn’t act up and try and sabotage you.