☯️ HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

“Trying to plant new habits is like teaching a cat to fetch. Possible? Maybe. Hilarious to watch? Definitely.” - Anonymous

📄 ABSTRACT OF HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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Effective habit change is a cornerstone of personal development, yet many individuals struggle to break free from unwanted behaviors and establish positive new ones. This focuses on the dual process of leaving behind undesirable habits and planting the seeds of desired behaviors.

The process begins with heightened self-awareness: identifying triggers, patterns, and the underlying intentions of unwanted habits. NLP techniques such as dissociation, submodality shifts, and anchoring are employed to weaken the emotional and neurological ties to these behaviors, making them less compelling. Making the experience of old habits painful by running it in the present and future loop.

Simultaneously, the process of “planting” wanted habits involves visualizing desired outcomes, utilizing language patterns to reinforce commitment, and leveraging the power of positive emotional states. By creating compelling mental representations and associating new behaviors with existing routines, individuals can accelerate the formation of beneficial habits.

✅ THE BENEFITS OF HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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“Leaving unwanted habits is like breaking up with someone who’s really, really comfortable. Planting new ones is like awkward first dates.” - Anonymous

Changing habits is not just about self-control or willpower-it’s about transforming your life at the deepest level. When you consciously leave unwanted habits behind and plant new, empowering ones, the benefits ripple through every area of your existence. Here are some of the most profound advantages:

1. Enhanced Self-Mastery

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Letting go of unwanted habits and establishing new ones gives you a sense of agency over your mind and actions. You become the architect of your own behavior, rather than a passive participant in old, automatic patterns.

2. Increased Energy and Focus

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Unwanted habits often drain your energy and scatter your attention. By replacing them with positive behaviors, you free up mental and physical resources, allowing you to focus on what truly matters and pursue your goals with renewed vigor.

3. Improved Emotional Well-being

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Many unwanted habits are coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, or negative emotions. By addressing these at their root and planting healthier alternatives, you experience greater emotional balance, resilience, and inner peace.

4. Greater Confidence and Self-Esteem

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Every time you successfully change a habit, you reinforce the belief that you are capable of growth and transformation. This boosts your confidence and self-esteem, creating a positive feedback loop that supports further change.

5. Better Relationships

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Unwanted habits can strain relationships-whether it’s procrastination, irritability, or unhealthy communication patterns. Planting new, constructive habits can lead to more harmonious interactions, deeper connections, and greater empathy.

6. Personal and Professional Growth

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Positive habits are the building blocks of achievement. Whether you want to advance your career, improve your health, or learn new skills, changing your habits is the most reliable way to create lasting progress.

7. Alignment with Your Values

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Habit change allows you to live in greater alignment with your core values and long-term vision. By consciously choosing your behaviors, you ensure that your daily actions reflect who you truly want to be.

🏛️ ORIGINS OF HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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The practice of habit change spans millennia, intertwining cultural wisdom, philosophical inquiry, and evolving scientific understanding. Below are proven methods and historical foundations for replacing unwanted habits with desired ones, distilled from global traditions and research.

Ancient Philosophies and Spiritual Traditions

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• Virtue as Habit: Aristotle asserted that excellence arises from repeated action, framing virtues as habits cultivated through deliberate practice. This idea laid the groundwork for intentional habit formation as a path to moral growth.
• Mindfulness in Eastern Traditions: Buddhist practices emphasized breaking cycles of habitual suffering through self-discipline and awareness. Techniques like meditation aimed to dismantle automatic behaviors by fostering conscious observation of triggers and reactions.
• Monastic Routines: Medieval Christian monasticism used structured habits (prayer, labor) to cultivate spiritual discipline, while Indigenous rituals leveraged dance and storytelling to reinforce communal behaviors tied to survival and cohesion.

Cultural Strategies for Habit Replacement

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1. Questioning Traditions:
   Many cultures embedded habit change in the rigorous testing of inherited practices. For example, Indigenous communities adapted rituals by asking “Why?”-assessing whether traditions still served their purpose or needed reinvention. This mirrors modern strategies of challenging assumptions behind unwanted habits.

2. Collective Accountability:
   In collectivist societies, habit change was often a communal effort. For instance, West African griots (storytellers) used oral narratives to reinforce social norms, while Japanese kaizen (continuous improvement) emphasized incremental habit shifts supported by group accountability.

3. Ritual Pairing:
   Ancient civilizations linked new habits to existing rewards. The Roman mos maiorum (customs of ancestors) paired civic duties with communal feasts, leveraging social reinforcement to sustain desired behaviors.

Scientific and Behavioral Evolution

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• Behaviorist Foundations: Pavlov’s classical conditioning (1900s) and Skinner’s operant conditioning revealed how habits form through repetition and reward. These insights birthed strategies like habit stacking (adding new routines to existing ones) and environmental redesign.
• Habit Reversal Training: Developed in the 1970s, this method combines awareness of triggers with competing responses (e.g., replacing nail-biting with fist-clenching), echoing Stoic practices of premeditated resistance to impulses.
• Contextual Replacement: Modern neuroscience shows that replacing a habit’s routine while retaining its cue and reward (e.g., substituting a cigarette with deep breathing during stress) is more effective than sheer willpower.

Proven Cross-Cultural Techniques

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• Storytelling as Reinforcement: Indigenous Australians used Dreamtime stories to encode survival habits across generations, illustrating how narrative embeds desired behaviors in cultural memory.
• Environmental Adaptation: Norse societies adjusted agricultural practices in response to climate shifts, demonstrating the principle of aligning new habits with changing conditions precursor to modern “choice architecture.”
• Rites of Passage: Many cultures (e.g., Maasai warrior ceremonies) marked habit shifts with rituals, creating emotional anchors to solidify new identities.

📜 PRINCIPLES OF HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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I synthesize brain-based strategies with linguistic reprogramming to create sustainable habit shifts. Below are the core principles underpinning effective habit change, rooted in neuroplasticity, behavioral science, and NLP methodologies. The key lies in working with the brain’s biology, not against it.

1. Awareness & Pattern Interrupt

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Neuroscience: Habits reside in the basal ganglia, operating below conscious awareness. Bringing them into the prefrontal cortex (the conscious mind) disrupts autopilot.
NLP Action: Use the Milton Model (hypnotic language) to uncover hidden patterns. Ask: “What happens just before you feel the urge to [habit]?” Interrupt triggers with a physical gesture (e.g., snapping a rubber band).

2. Dissociation & Submodality Shifts

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Neuroscience: Memories and habits are stored with sensory submodalities (e.g., brightness, distance). Altering these weaken neural connections.
NLP Action: Visualize the unwanted habit in black-and-white, shrink its mental image, and mute its sound. For desired habits, amplify color, size, and associated positive emotions.

3. Anchoring Desired States

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Neuroscience: Emotions drive habits. Pairing a new behavior with a peak emotional state (via Hebbian learning) creates stronger neural pathways.
NLP Action: Recall a moment of triumph, amplify its sensory details, and anchor it with a touch (e.g., pressing thumb and forefinger). Activate the anchor when initiating the new habit.

4. Incremental Contextual Replacement

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Neuroscience: The brain resists abrupt changes. Small, context-specific substitutions (e.g., replacing afternoon soda with flavored water) leverage existing cue-reward loops.
NLP Action: Use habit stacking: “After [current habit], I will [new habit].” Example: “After brushing my teeth, I will meditate for 2 minutes.”

5. Identity Recoding

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Neuroscience: Habits are tied to self-perception. Adopting an identity (e.g., “I am a runner”) activates self-reinforcing neural loops.
NLP Action: Reframe language: “I don’t smoke” (identity) vs. “I’m trying to quit” (struggle). Use affirmations aligned with the desired self: “I nourish my body with mindful choices.”

6. Environmental Priming

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Neuroscience: 40-50% of daily actions are cued by the environment. The brain relies on spatial triggers (e.g., seeing a coffee cup prompts drinking).
NLP Action: Reprogram spaces using spatial anchoring. Designate a chair for reading (not scrolling) or a “phone-free zone” to disrupt digital habits.

7. Linguistic Reprogramming

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Neuroscience: Broca’s area processes self-talk, which shapes synaptic pathways. Negative language (“I can’t resist sweets”) reinforces limiting beliefs.
NLP Action: Apply Ericksonian language to bypass resistance: “You might notice how easy it is to choose veggies when you feel energized.”

8. Reward Reengineering

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Neuroscience: Dopamine spikes drive habit loops. Immediate rewards (e.g., a small treat after a workout) solidify new behaviors faster.
NLP Action: Link desired habits to intrinsic rewards (e.g., pride, vitality) using future pacing: “How will this choice benefit you in 6 months?”

9. Somatic Bridging

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Neuroscience: The body and mind are interlinked. Posture shifts (e.g., standing tall) can reduce cortisol and increase willpower.
NLP Action: Use postural anchoring (e.g., power poses) to access resourceful states before facing habit triggers.

10. Iterative Refinement

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Neuroscience: Neuroplasticity thrives on feedback. Tracking progress (via journals or apps) strengthens the ACC (anterior cingulate cortex), enhancing self-regulation.
NLP Action: Conduct daily “habit audits” using perceptual positions: “What would my future self advise me to adjust?”

🗨️ GUIDING CLIENTS IN HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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• Sitting by side so you can perceive nuances in facial expression, gestures, and coloration of the skin and not stay in the way of a client who is accessing their images and creating metaphors in front of them.
• Modulate your voice and speak slowly and melodically.
• Be interested in client exploration.
• Repeat the client’s words using his voice delivery. For instance, when the client spoke about an exciting event, his face lightened up, his words speeded up and his tone of voice was higher. As a professional, you are, to match his expression or attend acting class to learn essentials.
• Connect the question and experience with coordinating conjunction and/as/when.

💧 HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED SCRIPT BASED ON THE EXPLORATION OF VLADIMIR KLIMSA

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“My old habits are like that one song you hate but know all the lyrics to. My new habits are like an indie band I’m pretending to like.” - Anonymous

Habit Change Session: Replacing Afternoon Cake with Fruit
Client: Struggles with eating cake daily after lunch. Wants to switch to fruit but feels “powerless” when cravings hit.
*Practitioner (Vlad) Uses NLP and neuroscience principles to reframe the habit loop. Be aware that Vlad has experience and is using bespoke process design for this particular client.

Vlad: Let’s map out your current habit. When you think about eating cake after lunch, what’s the first sign that tells you, “It’s time” and why do you want to change this habit?
Client: Hmm… I finish my meal, feel a little restless, and then see the cake in the kitchen, on the menu, or I see my peers order cakes. I want to change as my GP had diagnosed starting medical issues, my dentist recommended and I know my life it’ll be better. But when I see the cake I don’t have a choice.

Vlad: “The Time for Change Is NOW”

Step 1: Elicit the Pain Pattern
“In 10 minutes, you’ll release these memories forever—but first, we must fully associate your mind and body with the consequences of your unwanted habit. Access four past experiences where eating cake led to: shame, eroded self-esteem, physical pain (teeth/body), or painful self-awareness (mirror/beach/intimacy).”

Step 2: Sensory Overload Anchoring

1. Memory 1: Step fully into the first event. See what you saw. Hear critical inner dialogue, the voices of others. Feel the visceral disgust/shame.
2. Memory 2: Step fully into the second event. Notice dental pain or sluggishness. Hear others backhanded compliments. Feel the emotional weight. See what you saw. Hear critical inner dialogue, the voices of others. Amplify the second memory.
3. Memory 3: Third memory—experience. Step fully into the third event. Social rejection or failed goals. See loved ones’ disappointed faces. Feel the helplessness. See what you saw. Hear critical inner dialogue, the voices of others.
4. Memory 4: Step fully into the fourth event. (e.g., obesity, chronic pain). Hear doctor’s warnings. Feel the despair of lost agency. See what you saw. Hear critical inner dialogue, the voices of others.

Step 3: Intensify & Collapse the Pattern

• “Make the images bigger than life. Crank the sound to deafening. Multiply the feelings tenfold. As you are experiencing memory in the past in now the present, knowing that they will be repeating more frequently in the future. Now fast-forward—experience this cycle looping the memory so they are repeating weekly, daily, hourly every minute. Feel your freedom vanish, you don’t have a choice. Your health crumbling. Your life is controlled by sugar, not YOU.”

Step 4: Breakpoint & Reclaim Power

• “When the pain becomes unbearable—when you KNOW you must change TODAY, hear the click and RETURN HERE. NOW. This is your pivot point.”

“From Cake to Freedom”

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Vlad “Now is the last time you will have the experience of being addicted to cake.

Vlad: “On a scale from -10 to +10, where +10 is ‘I’d sell my soul for delicious cake,’ where are you right now?”

Client: “It’s a +6. I dream about it.”

Vlad: “Perfect. Most people never consciously decide to change the level of pleasure or disgust they associate with a habit. Let’s reprogram yours. First, describe the cake you crave most.”

Client: “Warm double-chocolate cake… dripping with cognac-infused cream… cherries on top…” (Client’s face lights up.)

Vlad: “Feel that desire? Now, amplify it. See the glaze shining. Smell the caramelized sugar. Hear the fork scraping through layers. Crank it to +15!”

(Client nods, breathing faster.)

Step 2: Collapse the Craving

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Vlad: “Now, take that cake and drop it to a +5. How?”

Client: “It’s stale. Soggy cherries.” (Makes a face.)

Vlad: “Good. Now to -3.”

Client: “The cream’s curdled… smells like sour milk.” (Shudders.)

Vlad: “Deeper. -7.”

Client: “The cake is crawling with ants. The cognac reeks like rubbing alcohol.” (Gags slightly.)

Vlad: “Final step: -10. The point of no return.”

Client: “It’s covered in mold. The cream’s green. I can taste the rot.” (Covers mouth.)

Vlad: “FREEZE. That’s your brain’s new association with cake. Look at it now.” (Vlad is holding the cake client brought with her.) “Want a bite?”

Client: “God, no!” (Laughs in disgust.)

Vlad: “What is your experience now? Can you eat cakes?”

Client: I can but I don’t want to.

Vlad: After the session you’ll receive a session script so you can practice to enhance new habits or eliminate old ones with yourself or help others. “Your brain can’t crave what it’s been trained to reject.” As we didn’t use years, months, weeks, or days to generate the change. “To put a cherry on top. Go inside and search for the location of the part that is responsible for habits. Observe its location, size, contour, weight, temperature, solidness, surface, inner quality, direction of movement, and spin rotation. Notice as well as origin of the voice, the person who is speaking, volume, pitch, emotional state, the direction of the voice, and spin rotation’.”

Core Transformation

Client: “The location had changed. I feel change not only now but I sense it will carry as well in the future.”

Vlad: “That’s good to hear, Good luck. And here is the audio recording of the session.”

🗣️ ANECDOTE ABOUT HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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Anecdote: “The Last Slice”

Sarah used to joke that chocolate cake was her “emotional support dessert.” It began as Friday night indulgence, then crept into Wednesdays (“hump day reward”), until she found herself elbow-deep in frosting at 2 AM, hiding empty takeout boxes like a junkie disposing of needles.

The wake-up call came when her yoga pants refused to stretch any further.

The Intervention
Her NLP practitioner, Dr. Kane, didn’t preach willpower. “Let’s make your subconscious work for you,” he said, guiding her through what she’d later call “The Great Cake Exorcism.”

“Describe your perfect cake, and rate your desire on the rate of -10 to +10” he prompted.
Sarah’s pupils dilated: “Molten chocolate lava…whipped cream so thick it… Number 8” Make it number 10 Sarah’s pupils dilated: “Molten chocolate lava…whipped cream…cherries Number 10” Make it number 12 Sarah’s pupils dilated: “Molten chocolate lava…whipped cream…cherries…cognac Number 12” Make it number 15 Sarah’s pupils dilated: “Molten chocolate lava…whipped cream…cherries…cognac…I am eating it while kissing Number 15” “Now go back to number 12.” Sarah’s pupils dilated: “Molten chocolate lava…whipped cream…cherries…cognac… Number 12” “Now go back to number 10.”
Sarah’s pupils dilated: “Molten chocolate lava…whipped cream…cherries Number 10” “Now go back to number 8.” Sarah’s pupils dilated: “Molten chocolate lava…whipped cream so thick it… Number 8” “Now go back to number 5.” Sarah’s pupils dilated: “Molten chocolate lava…whipped cream in liquid state… Number 5” “Now go back to number 2.”
Sarah’s pupils dilated: “Molten chocolate lava… Number 2” “Now go back to number 0.”
Sarah’s pupils dilated: “The cake is frozen and I don’t have time… Number 0” “Now go back to number -2.” Sarah’s pupils dilated: “I see the cake…as very old… Number -2” “Now go back to number -5.”
Sarah’s pupils dilated: The velvety frosting sprouted fuzzy green mold Number -5” “Now go back to number -8.” Sarah’s pupils dilated: “I taste the cake and find hairs and crawling with live larva… Number -8” “Now go back to number 10.”
Sarah’s pupils dilated: “The cake is with hairs, larva, and in a pool of vomit… Number -10”

When he had her imagine licking the rancid, larva-riddled haired mess (-10), Sarah dry-heaved. “I can SMELL the rot!”

The Rebirth
Then came the magic pivot:
“Now taste this,” Kane said, placing The cake Sara brought, in her sight. Keep running in your mind eating the rancid cake with hairs, larvae, and in a pool of vomit… While you are seeing this delicious cake."*
Sarah’s pupils dilated: “I don’t want it.”

Sarah’s cravings didn’t disappear—they were replaced. Where cake memories now triggered nausea, the thought of mangoes made her mouth water.

At her daughter’s birthday party three months later, Sarah absentmindedly pushed the cake away. “Mommy doesn’t eat sadness anymore,” she whispered, reaching for the fruit platter.

The Science of Transformation
This wasn’t discipline—it was neurological warfare. By:

1. Using a sliding scale of pleasure-pain thus having the client experience that he/she is capable of changing desire
2. Overloading the brain’s pleasure centers with disgust (amygdala hijack)
3. Swish the new identity (“I’m someone who thrives on fresh energy”)

The cake didn’t stand a chance.

“Addiction is just love misplaced. Redirect the worship.” — Dr. Kane’s parting note

Sarah keeps a photo from that last session: her face mid-gag as she “smelled” the imaginary spoiled cake. Her phone caption: “The moment I got my life back.”

Epilogue
At her one-year checkup, Sarah’s doctor blinked at her bloodwork. “These are athlete’s numbers.” She just smiled and bit into a persimmon. Some victories taste even sweeter.

👣 THE BASIC PROCESS OF HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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A Research-Based Approach

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• Literature and Video Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing research on HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED, including studies on meditation, trance, and ecstatic experiences.
• Surveys and Interviews: Conduct surveys and interviews with individuals who practice meditation, yoga, and other similar-based practices to gather information on their experiences and techniques.
• Physiological Measurements: Measure physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, and brainwave activity in individuals who practice HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED techniques.

The Basic Process of Habit Change - Leave Unwanted, Plant Wanted

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1. Time for a Change is Now

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After countless attempts and setbacks, most people arrive at a session with a heavy heart and a divided mind. There is a part of them that earnestly wants to stop the unwanted habit-whether it’s smoking, overeating, or procrastinating-while another part clings to the comfort and familiarity it provides. This internal tug-of-war is the first barrier to change.

To break this deadlock, we begin by immersing the client in the full, unfiltered reality of their habit. I guide them to loop through the entire spectrum of negative emotions and consequences:

• Physical sensations: The heaviness in the chest, the sluggishness, the bitter aftertaste.
• Emotional pain: The shame that creeps in after giving in, the self-criticism, the sense of failure.
• Social feedback: Hearing backhanded compliments, sensing subtle rejection, or noticing the disappointment in loved ones’ eyes.
• Inner dialogue: That relentless, critical voice whispering, “You’re weak,” or “You’ll never change.”
• Future projection: Experiencing the growing health issues, the helplessness of lost control, and the despair of missed opportunities and failed goals.

We don’t just keep this loop in the present. I ask the client to fast-forward-imagine living with this habit for years, months, days, hours, and even minutes into the future. The pain compounds, the cost becomes unbearable, and the emotional charge builds to a breaking point. At this peak, the client often reaches a moment of clarity and resolve: “I cannot and will not live like this anymore. Change must happen now.”

2. Using the Sliding Scale of Pleasure and Pain

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Habits are not just behaviors-they are emotional patterns wired into the brain’s reward system. Most run automatically, below conscious awareness, driven by a delicate balance of pleasure and pain.

To bring this dynamic into the open, I introduce the sliding scale of pleasure and pain, ranging from +10 (maximum pleasure) to -10 (maximum pain). The client is invited to rate their current habit desire:

• “On a scale from -10 (agonizing pain) to +10 (blissful pleasure), rate your desire for this habit right now. [Pause] Now, amplify the pleasure by seeing, hearing, touching, tasting and smelling. Imagine the desire higher, higher, and higher till it reaches peak-+10. Feel the rush.

*“Now bring your desire lower to the previous step, seeing, hearing, touching, tasting and smelling, bring to lower to the previous step, bringing lower to the previous step, bringing lower to the previous step, bringing to number 0 - no desire. Now seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling bring the desire to -2, seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling bring the desire to -5, seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling bring the describe to -8, seeing, hearing, touching, tasting and smelling bring the desire to -10.

Through guided reflection and sensory association, the client discovers they can actually move the dial. By vividly associating the habit with disgust, regret, and disappointment, the pleasure rating drops, and the pain rating rises. Conversely, by imagining the freedom, pride, and vitality of the new habit, the pleasure rating for the desired behavior increases.

This realization is empowering: Desire is not fixed-it can be changed. The client learns to consciously adjust their emotional associations, effectively rewiring their brain’s response to old triggers. This is a skill that, once learned, can be applied to any habit for a lifetime.

3. Swish the New Identity

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True transformation happens when the new behavior becomes part of who you are not just something you do, but something you are. The NLP Swish technique is a powerful tool for planting this new identity deep in the unconscious mind.

Here’s how the Swish works in practice:

• Activate the old pattern: The client brings to mind a vivid, associated sensory-rich image of engaging in the habit they are putting away (eating healthy food, exercising, being on time)
• Create the new self-image: Next, they visualize a dissociated compelling image of their future self-radiant, energetic, confident, and free from the old habit. This image is bright, colorful, and emotionally charged.
• Swish the images: With a rapid mental “swish,” the new image bursts onto the scene, replacing the old one. The old habit shrinks, fades, and loses its power, while the new identity grows larger and more vivid with each repetition.

This process is repeated until the old habit’s emotional charge is neutralized, and the new identity feels automatically no longer something the client has to force, but something that flows effortlessly from their sense of self.

💪 MEDITATION HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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Introduction

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Settle into a comfortable position. Close your eyes. Take three deep breaths… Inhale courage, exhale doubt. Inhale clarity, exhale confusion. Let’s begin.

Part 1: Time for a Change is Now

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“Bring to mind the habit you wish to release. Feel its weight in your body heaviness in your chest, the sluggishness in your limbs, the bitter aftertaste it leaves. Now, hear the critical voice in your mind: ‘You’re weak. You’ll never change.’

See the faces of those you love- their disappointment, their quiet worry. Feel the shame rise like heat in your cheeks. Now, fast-forward… imagine this habit persisting for weeks, months, years. Your health declines. Opportunities slip away. The voice grows louder: ‘This is your life now.’

Let this pain fill every cell. Feel it fully. Then, from deep within, let these words rise: ‘I refuse to live this way any longer. Today, I choose to change.’

Breathe into this resolve. Let it solidify like steel in your core.”

Part 2: Sliding Scale of Pleasure and Pain

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“On a scale from -10 (agonizing pain) to +10 (blissful pleasure), rate your desire for this habit right now. [Pause] Now, amplify the pleasure by seeing, hearing, touching, tasting and smelling. Imagine the desire higher, higher, and higher till it reaches peak-+10. Feel the rush.

*“Now bring your desire lower to the previous step, seeing, hearing, touching, tasting and smelling, bring to lower to the previous step, bringing lower to the previous step, bringing lower to the previous step, bringing to number 0 - no desire. Now seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling bring the desire to -2, seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling bring the desire to -5, seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling bring the desire to -8, seeing, hearing, touching, tasting and smelling bring the desire to -10.

Part 3: Swish the New Identity

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“Visualize yourself engaging in the old habit. Make it vivid-see the details, hear the sounds, feel the numbness. Now, create a new image: your future self, radiant and empowered. See them smiling, moving with ease, glowing with health.

Say ‘SWISH!’ as you launch the new image over the old. Watch the old habit shrink, fade, and vanish. The new you grows brighter, larger, and unstoppable. Repeat: ‘SWISH!’ [Pause] Again. ‘SWISH!’ [Pause] One more time. ‘SWISH!’

Anchor this new identity. Place your hand on your heart and declare: ‘I am [new identity]. This is who I am now.’

Closing

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“Take three deep breaths. Feel the power of your choice. When you’re ready, open your eyes, carrying this new self into the world.

You are no longer a prisoner of your past. You are the architect of your future.”

This meditation merges emotional catharsis, sensory reprogramming, and identity transformation to dismantle old habits and embed new ones. The brain learns: What you focus on grows. What you feel, you heal. What you see, you become.

▶️ VIDEO OF HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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▶️ Youtube - Mind power, lose the desire to eat the chocolate, mentalism trick

❓ FAQ OF HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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1. Why do I feel so conflicted about changing my habit?

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It’s completely normal to feel torn. One part of you genuinely wants to stop the unwanted habit, while another part clings to its comfort and familiarity. This internal tug-of-war is the first barrier to change. Recognizing and working with both sides is essential to making progress.

2. Why do you focus on the negative consequences and emotions of my habit in the beginning?

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Immersing yourself in the full reality of your habit-physical discomfort, emotional pain, social disappointment, and self-criticism-helps break denial and avoidance. By looping these sensations and projecting them into the future, you reach a point where the cost of continuing outweighs the comfort of staying the same. This emotional leverage is often the catalyst for true change.

3. What is the “sliding scale of pleasure and pain,” and how does it help?

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The sliding scale is a tool that helps you consciously rate your desire for a habit from +10 (maximum pleasure) to -10 (maximum pain). By associating the habit with disgust or regret, you can lower its pleasure rating. By imagining the benefits of the new habit, you increase its appeal. This process shows you that desire is not fixed-it can be changed and managed.

4. Can I really change how much I want something? Isn’t desire automatic?

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Desire is dynamic and can be consciously influenced. Through guided reflection and sensory association, you learn to move the dial on your cravings. By repeatedly adjusting your emotional associations, you rewire your brain’s response to old triggers and gain control over your habits.

5. What is the NLP Swish technique and how does it work for habit change?

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The NLP Swish technique is a mental exercise that helps you replace the old habit image with a new, empowering self-image. You vividly imagine yourself engaging in the unwanted habit, then quickly “swish” in a bright, compelling image of your future self living the new habit. Repeating this process weakens the old pattern and strengthens the new identity, making the desired behavior feel natural and automatic.

6. How long does it take to see results with these techniques?

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Results vary from person to person. Some notice immediate shifts in their cravings and self-image, while others require other techniques to facilitate change.

7. What if I slip back into my old habit?

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Relapse can happen. Instead of seeing it as a failure, use it as feedback. Revisit the process: loop the negative consequences, adjust your pleasure-pain scale, and reinforce your new identity.

8. Do I need to replace my unwanted habit with a new one?

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Yes. Habits fill a need or serve a positive intention, even if the behavior is unhealthy. If you simply try to stop without substituting a more desirable habit, your unconscious mind may revert to the old pattern or find another unwanted behavior. Always plant a new, positive habit to fill the void.

9. How do I know if I’m ready to change?

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Ask yourself:

• Would you like to break your habit?
• Are you prepared to change?
• What’s stopping you?
• Are you ready to make a change now? True readiness comes when the pain of staying the same outweighs the discomfort of change.

10. How can I make my new habit part of my identity?

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Connect your actions to the person you want to become. Use language that reinforces your new identity, such as “I am someone who prioritizes my health.” Celebrate small wins and link them to your evolving self-image. Over time, your new behavior becomes a natural expression of who you are.

11. What if I feel emotionally resistant or stuck?

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Emotional resistance is common. Explore what the unwanted habit provides for you-comfort, distraction, relief-and brainstorm healthier ways to meet those needs. Be compassionate with yourself and seek support if needed. Remember, change is a journey, not a single event.

12. Is professional guidance necessary for this process?

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While many can apply these techniques independently, working with an experienced practitioner can provide deeper insight, accountability, and tailored strategies. If you find yourself stuck or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek support.

Remember:
Change is possible for anyone, at any stage. You are not your habit-you are the creator of your future. With the right approach and support, you can leave behind what no longer serves you and plant the seeds for a life you truly desire.

😆 JOKES ABOUT HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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• I tried to break my habit of procrastinating, but I’ll get around to it eventually.

• My New Year resolved to stop eating junk food. So far, I’ve successfully switched from cookies to cake. Progress!

• They say it takes 21 days to form a habit. I’m on day 22 of trying to remember where I put my keys.

• I wanted to start a habit of exercising every day, but then I remembered I also have a habit of being lazy. It’s a real conflict of interest.

• I’ve decided to quit my habit of overthinking. Now I’m just underthinking, which is a whole new problem.

• My habit of talking to myself is getting out of hand. At least I get intelligent conversation.

• My habit of forgetting names is so bad, I’ve started calling everyone “Champ.”

• I’m trying to form a habit of being more patient. Are we there yet?

🦋 METAPHORS ABOUT HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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• Changing a habit is like pulling weeds from a garden so new flowers can grow.

• Old habits are worn-out shoes; it’s time to lace up a fresh pair and walk a new path.

• Letting go of a habit is like shedding a heavy winter coat when spring finally arrives.

• Breaking a habit is like chipping away at a stone wall to reveal a hidden doorway.

• Starting a new habit is planting a seed and patiently watering it until it blossoms.

• Leaving a habit behind is closing a book you’ve outgrown and opening a blank journal.

• Building a new habit is like constructing a bridge, one sturdy plank at a time.

• Old habits are tangled vines; clearing them lets sunlight reach new growth.

• Adopting a new habit is learning to dance to a different rhythm.

• Letting go of a habit is releasing an anchor so you can finally set sail.

• Changing habits is like repainting a room-covering the old color to create a fresh space.

• Transforming a habit is tuning a radio from static to a clear, inspiring song.

🧑‍🦲 VLADIMIR KLIMSA EXPERIENCE WITH HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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“Leaving unwanted habits is like trying to sneak out of a party where you know everyone. Awkward and they always see you.” - Anonymous

I have read books, watched videos, attended seminars, and practiced on myself and others. My interest in HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED techniques arose from searching for reliable techniques that I could use to improve my life and life of others. I learned NLP techniques in NLP seminars, gathering, from friends, books, articles, and video and audio courses. I have practiced with myself and others and I can say my overall experience is good. I tried out throughout the years several techniques and realized that habits are unconscious therefore unconsciousness change is needed. I have changed several habits and adopted new ones successfully, programming the outcomes (for instance If someone brings on my birthday cake with candles, I blow them and eat a tiny slice of cake). The kinesthetic sensation is the one of most valuable techniques I come across. I do recommend that you search for a practitioner who has knowledge, skills, experience, and elegance for your first session.

🕳️ THE LIMITATIONS OR UNCERTAINTIES INHERENT IN THE RESEARCH OF HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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While HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED has been used for centuries, there are limitations and uncertainties inherent in the research of these practices. Here, we’ll explore some of the limitations and uncertainties that researchers and practitioners should be aware of:

Limitations of Ancient Texts

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• Interpretation: Ancient texts can be open to interpretation, making it difficult to understand the original intent of the authors.
• Translation: Ancient texts may have been translated multiple times, leading to potential errors or misunderstandings.
• Cultural Context: Ancient texts may have been written in a specific cultural context, which can make it difficult to understand the practices and techniques described.

Limitations of Modern Research

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• Small Sample Sizes: Many studies on HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED have small sample sizes, making it difficult to generalize the findings to larger populations.
• Lack of Control Groups: Some studies may not have control groups, making it difficult to determine whether the results are due to the breathing technique or other factors.
• Measurement Tools: Measurement tools, such as questionnaires and physiological measures, may not be sensitive enough to capture the full range of effects of ancient techniques.

Uncertainties of Altered States

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• Subjective Experience: Altered states are subjective experiences, making it difficult to measure and quantify them.
• Individual Variability: Individuals may respond differently to ancient techniques, making it difficult to predict the effects of these practices.
• Contextual Factors: Contextual factors, such as the environment and the practitioner’s intention, can influence the effects of ancient techniques.

Limitations of HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED Techniques

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• Individual Differences: Individuals may have different sensory experiences, making it difficult to standardize techniques.
• Health Status: HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED techniques may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions, such as mental illness.
• Practice Quality: The quality of the practice, such as the frequency and duration of practice, can influence the effects of HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED techniques.

Uncertainties of the Mind-Body Connection

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• Complexity of the Mind-Body Connection: The mind-body connection is complex and not fully understood, making it difficult to predict the effects of HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED techniques on the mind and body.
• Individual Variability: Individuals may respond differently to HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED techniques, making it difficult to predict the effects of these practices on the mind and body.
• Contextual Factors: Contextual factors, such as the environment and the practitioner’s intention, can influence the effects of HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED techniques on the mind and body.

Limitations of Research Design

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• Correlational Studies: Many studies on HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED are correlational, making it difficult to determine causality.
• Lack of Randomization: Some studies may not use randomization, making it difficult to control for confounding variables.
• Small Sample Sizes: Many studies on HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED techniques have small sample sizes, making it difficult to generalize the findings to larger populations.

✏️ CONCLUSION OF HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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Habit change is not merely an act of willpower; it is a journey of self-discovery, courage, and renewal. Leaving behind unwanted habits is like clearing away the weeds that have overtaken your inner garden act that requires honesty, persistence, and sometimes a little discomfort. But in that cleared space, you create fertile ground for new, empowering habits to take root and flourish.

The process is both art and science: it draws on our understanding of the brain’s reward systems, the power of emotional leverage, and the transformative potential of identity. By consciously associating pain with the old and pleasure with the new, by visualizing your future self, and by practicing new behaviors until they become second nature, you reshape not only your actions but your very sense of who you are.

Ultimately, habit change is an act of hope and agency. It is the declaration that you are not defined by your past, but by the choices you make today and every day after. When you leave behind what no longer serves you and plant the seeds of what you truly desire, you open the door to a life of greater health, happiness, and fulfillment.

The garden of your future is waiting. What will you choose to plant today?

📚 REFERENCES OF HABIT CHANGE - LEAVE UNWANTED, PLANT WANTED

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@book George Lakoff & Mark Johnson, 1980; Metaphors We Live By

@book Steve @ Connirae Andreas, 1988; Change Your Mind and Keep the Change: Advanced NLP Submodalities Interventions

@book Julian Jaynes, 2000; The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind

Andreas, S. (2002). Transforming yourself: Becoming who you want to be. Real People Press.

@book Bandler, R. (1982). Reframing: Neuro-linguistic programming and the transformation of meaning. Real People Press.

@book McKenna, P. (2024). Power manifesting: How to create the life of your dreams. Bantam Press.

@book Cialdini, R. B. (2021). Influence, new and expanded: The psychology of persuasion (Audiobook). HarperAudio.

@book Bandler, R. (1985). Time for a change. Meta Publications.

@book Bandler, R. (1992). Magic in action. Meta Publications.

@book Bandler, R. (2008). Get the life you want: The secrets to quick and lasting life change with neuro-linguistic programming. Health Communications, Inc.

@book Charvet, S. R. (1995). Words that change minds: Mastering the language of influence. HarperCollins.
Focuses on NLP-driven strategies to identify and reprogram mental habits.

@book Robbins, A. (1986). Unlimited power: The new science of personal achievement. Simon & Schuster.
Explores NLP techniques for reshaping beliefs and behaviors to foster habit change.

@article Tanaka, K., & Yamagishi, Y. (2023). Habit formation is viewed as a structural change in the behavioral network. Nature Communications Biology, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-04500-2
Proposes a single-system model for habit formation, emphasizing structural shifts in behavioral networks.

@article van der Weiden, A., et al. (2020). How to form good habits? A longitudinal field study on the role of self-control. PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7135855
Examines self-control’s role in substituting bad habits with goal-aligned behaviors.

@article Stacy, A. W., & Berkman, E. T. (2021). The science of habits. Knowable Magazine. https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/mind/2021/the-science-habits
Discusses behavioral replacement strategies (e.g., substituting unhealthy snacks) to disrupt unwanted habits.

@article HelpGuide. (2024, November 21). How to break bad habits and change negative behaviors. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/how-to-break-bad-habits-and-change-negative-behaviors
Outlines practical steps like the SMART framework and “approach vs. avoid” tactics for habit substitution.

@video DVD Transforming yourself Complete 3-day Training with Steve Andreas

@link The Wholeness Work

@link Core Transformation

Image credit - Ideogram

Movies

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• Van Sant, G. (Director). (1997). Good Will Hunting [Film]. Miramax. Troubled genius Will Hunting learns to accept help, confront trauma, and develop healthier habits through therapy and friendship.

• Muccino, G. (Director). (2006). The Pursuit of Happyness [Film]. Columbia Pictures. Chris Gardner overcomes homelessness by building perseverance and disciplined daily routines to achieve a better life for his son.

• Zemeckis, R. (Director). (2000). Cast Away [Film]. 20th Century Fox. After a plane crash, Chuck Noland survives and adapts by forming new routines and habits on a deserted island.

• Reed, P. (Director). (2008). Yes Man [Film]. Warner Bros.

• Ephron, N. (Director). (2009). Julie & Julia [Film]. Columbia Pictures. Julie Powell transforms her life by committing to cook all Julia Child’s recipes, using daily routines for personal growth.

• Harold Ramis (Director). (1993). Groundhog Day [Film]. Columbia Pictures. Phil Connors, stuck in a time loop, breaks negative patterns and cultivates kindness and gratitude through repeated self-improvement.

• Salva, V. (Director). (2006). Peaceful Warrior [Film]. Lionsgate. Dan Millman learns mindfulness and discipline, changing his habits and outlook after a life-altering accident.

• HBO. (2011–2019). Game of Thrones [TV series]. Sansa Stark transforms from a naive girl to a resilient leader, adapting her mindset and habits to survive and thrive.

• Netflix. (2019). The Queen’s Gambit [TV miniseries]. Beth Harmon overcomes addiction and unhealthy coping mechanisms, replacing them with discipline and healthier habits.

• A&E. (2005– ). Intervention [TV series]. Real people with addictions are helped to break destructive habits and build new, sober lives through intervention and treatment.

Books

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“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens (1843)

• Ebenezer Scrooge’s narrative is transformed through visits from three ghosts, allowing him to reshape his life from one of greed to generosity.

“David Copperfield” by Charles Dickens (1850)

• This semi-autobiographical novel follows David’s journey from a troubled childhood to maturity, as he redefines his life narrative through resilience and self-discovery.

“Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1866)

• A psychological exploration of guilt and redemption, where the protagonist, Raskolnikov, transforms his narrative from one of moral decay to a path of atonement and spiritual awakening.

Zevin, G. (2022). Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. Knopf. Sam and Sadie evolve personally and professionally, learning to change habits and adapt as they create video games and navigate life.

Ward, J. (2011). Salvage the Bones. Bloomsbury. Esch and her family face hardship and disaster, adapting their routines and habits to survive Hurricane Katrina.

“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker (1982)

• Through letters written to God and her sister, Celie transforms her narrative from one of oppression and abuse to one of self-love, empowerment, and independence.

“The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger (2003)

• A non-linear narrative about love that explores how time travel reshapes the characters’ understanding of their pasts, presents, and futures.

“All the Birds, Singing” by Evie Wyld (2013)

• Told through alternating timelines, this novel reveals how the protagonist’s past traumas shape her present but also offers her a chance to rewrite her future.

“Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel (2014)

• A post-apocalyptic novel that weaves together multiple timelines, showing how characters’ narratives evolve as they adapt to a radically changed world.

“Cloud Atlas” by David Mitchell (2004)

• This novel spans multiple timelines and interconnected stories, illustrating how individual narratives influence one another across time and space.

“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern (2011)

• The protagonists’ narratives are shaped by a magical competition, but they ultimately rewrite their destinies through love and collaboration.

“The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig (2020)

• Nora Seed explores alternate versions of her life through a magical library, learning how changing her perspective on past choices can redefine her present and future.