User blog:CharCharChar/Soft Addiction

Who's heard of Soft Addictions? The author defines soft addictions as "seemingly harmless habits" that "keep us from the life we want".

I find the concept comforting. Everyone has soft addictions and even when you recognize you don't want to do them, their hard to stop. I deleted YouTube off my phone a few minutes ago. I thought I would feel triumphant and invigorated. Instead I felt whiny and glum.

I'm in the habit of watching YouTube videos in bed until I fall asleep, and the prospect of having to fall asleep the old fashioned way is displeasing to my immediate-extrinsic reward expectations.

My point is, it's okay that trying to break a bad habit or build a good habit is hard or doesn't feel good right away. Long term, you'll thank yourself.

I'm reminded of the Wreck it Ralph quote: "I’m bad, and that’s good. I will never be good, and that’s not bad. There’s no one I’d rather be than me."