Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by SketchySeaBeast 1461 days ago
That seems like it's a little too empowering, feels as if you're saying that as long as an addict can flush their drugs they have their addiction beat.
2 comments

It could be construed that way, but it can also be a way to take a step back and remind yourself with actions rather than words that you have power over the situation. The more we take control over ourselves, the more our brains will gain the confidence and wire well for taking that initiative (at least according to what I’ve heard and read). So in that sense, it seems like it could be positive. It certainly isn’t a perfect and final solution. It requires follow through for sure.

These are nuanced and difficult things to find solutions for in any case.

It's certainly a powerful step in the right direction though. Modulating your self identity really is a strong way to start breaking down bad habits or starting good habits consistently. Besides my own experience, I think there was a thread here a while back about "getting in character" to achieve unusual results
Here's a version that takes much less willpower.

The next time you buy junk food, the first thing you do as you get home is that you divide that junk food into two piles: That which you intend to consume today, and that which you were planning on saving for tomorrow.

Then throw the part you were saving for tomorrow into the garbage.

Now you are no longer at risk of overeating, because the excess is not there to tempt you, and you can enjoy the first pile without reservation, fear, or guilt.

Make lists when shopping, don't shop on an empty stomach, learn to stop the impulse buying. Pay attention to how you path through the supermarket.

The easiest way to resist junk food in your pantry is to not put it in there in the first place.