How to break bad habits?
The first step in overcoming this material conditioning is of course to recognize the bad habits themselves. This recognition should be accompanied by sincere regret followed by firm resolve to give up the habit. But often we find that despite being aware and regretful for their habits, many people are unable to avoid their sinful tendencies, because of the lack of proper effort. It takes great commitment sustained over time to accomplish the result. Srila Rupa Gosvami gives us the formula for accomplishing it:(Nectar of Instruction verse 3) utsahan niscayad dhairyat tat-tat-karma-pravartanat sanga-tyagat sato vritteh shadbhir bhaktih prasidhyati i.e.Enthusiasm, determination, patience, following regulative principles under the guidance of saintly authorities, and avoiding bad association. The particular methods for addressing specific bad habits may vary, but these are the fundamental principles and I would like to particularly highlight two key factors that support all the ...