Most of the times, we know what is the right thing to do, but we often end up not doing it! e.g. Smoking, why?

Question

Most people are very conscious of what is right or wrong and I don't mean that in the religious or ethical perspective, but basic things such as smoking, exercising, etc. We all often end up not doing the right thing or procrastinate! How can we develop good discipline and is this studied under any specific scientific discipline (I suspect psychology)?

Answer 1

Just for history's sake, and not that it is of much practical use, but Freud developed the idea of the death instinct, which he called thanatos:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_instinct

He conjectured that organisms experience a biological need to die, a fundamental drive to return to stasis.

Answer 2

Because we have no willpower. And often the bad stuff is a lot more fun.
But for those of us who want to change:
It takes 21 days to form, (or break) a habit, such as exercising, or not putting off what we want or should be doing. So for 21 days you make a conscious effort to do what it is you want to do. Set a timer, make a date with yourself, offer yourself treats--an hour on Yahoo, for example, when you meet your obligation. Make yorself do it. After the 21 days, you only have to force yourself to keep exercising by using that new willpower you've developed. It does get easier, I've tried this.
It helps to be motivated as well. I won't smoke because then I'll be able to do that marathon I'm so keen on. If I exercise everyday I'll get a six pack and be the envy of all my friends.
You see, if we go to work everyday we get a paycheck at the end of the week. We need payback. So find out what motivates you.
21 days isn't that long to pester yourself into doing something you really want to do. 3 weeks, practically no time at all.

Answer 3

Lack of true will power to want to do the right thing. Most people have the mind set that they're going to die anyway, so why bother? So, they smoke b/c it's a habit, they don't exercize b/c it requires a lil work to get from point A to B, eat fast food and junk food b/c it tastes too good to resist. Perhaps it's all a lack of knowledge in itself too.... I learned the interesting fact that our bodies are the most vulnerable until we're 30. Basically how we treat it by age 30, is how it's going to treat us for life after age 30. So, if you eat crap, don't exercize, smoke up until 30, they're making their own early death bed. But yea, bottom line: lack of really wanting to change for the healthiest lifestyle is probably why ppl do the stupid stuff to themselves that they do.

Answer 4

All humans are born with the tendency to do evil. If you become a Christian, the Holy Spirit can and will override that tendency if you ask him. Trying to do it by yourself and say you don't need Jesus is basically swimming against the current, it can be done, but it takes a LOT of hard work and you are likely to give up.

Answer 5

Its calledreal hard disapline on ourselfs,When were at our worst coach potoe state,We have to forse our selfs to go out for a walk1I found when someone hurts us amotionly,we have a bad habit of hurting ourselfs more because were so hurt at the way they hurt us!That called self destrucktion and only we can stop it!Hollywood

Answer 6

Just knowing the right but doing the wrong is as bad as knowing the bad and and intentionally adopting it...Somehow people have the notion that anything 'bad' is interesting and attractive and fun....that is only in songs...

It is the intent that is more important than the act.
If intent is good but act is bad.....not bad
If the intent is bad but act is good....not good
if intent is good and act is good...the best.....

Answer 7

People are lazy, and more often than not, willing to take the easy way out. They figure if no one's looking, why not do the easy thing. It's all in the mind buddy, just put your mind to it....and just do it. C'mon it's not that hard. Do what you want to do, don't let things control you. =)))

Answer 8

Doing the wrong things sometimes makes us feel better. It is the mentality of mostly undisciplined people.

Answer 9

Habits are sometimes very hard if not impossible to break.

And, doesn't the Bible tell us that "the Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak?"

Answer 10

I t's all about choice. We all find that comfort zone and stay there. I suppose there can be some Science to it but it is all about choice if you want something bad enough you'll get it!