11 Ways People Tried to Quit Bad Habits Before Self-Help Books

Before self-help books became popular, people had to find their own ways to quit bad habits. Without step-by-step guides or professional advice, they often turned to quirky and unconventional methods to break free from unhealthy patterns. From making promises to friends to using physical tricks, these 11 approaches show how people creatively tackled personal growth. While some methods may seem odd now, they reflect the ingenuity and effort people put into self-improvement.

1. Writing a Contract with Yourself

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People used to write detailed contracts promising to quit their bad habits. The act of writing it down made the commitment feel official. Many would even sign it, as if they were making a legal pledge to change.

2. Carrying Around a Rubber Band

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A simple trick was wearing a rubber band around the wrist and snapping it every time the bad habit was about to happen. The idea was that the physical snap would be a reminder to stop. This technique helped to associate pain with the unwanted behavior.

3. Making a “Quit Jar”

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People would set a financial penalty for each time they engaged in the habit. Every time they slipped up, they’d add money to the jar. The more they gave, the more motivation they had to stop the habit for good.

4. Avoiding Triggers

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A common method was to completely avoid situations or people that encouraged the bad habit. By changing their routine or distancing themselves from certain environments, people tried to eliminate temptation. This method required careful planning and awareness of one’s surroundings.

5. Buddy System for Accountability

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Friends or family would step in as accountability partners. The person trying to quit would check in regularly with their buddy to report progress and struggles. The fear of disappointing someone else helped to motivate the individual.

6. Using Positive Reinforcement

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Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of their bad habit, many would reward themselves for avoiding it. For example, saving money they would have spent on cigarettes or unhealthy food. The reward system made the process feel more like a positive challenge.

7. Taking Cold Showers

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Some people believed that taking cold showers would shock their body and mind, making them more alert and less likely to engage in bad habits. This method was especially used by people trying to quit smoking or drinking. The discomfort was supposed to help the person “snap” out of their routine.

8. Writing Down the Consequences

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People often made lists of the negative consequences of their bad habits. Writing them down, seeing the effects in black and white, was meant to reinforce the reasons for quitting. This method was a way to focus on the pain of continuing versus the benefit of stopping.

9. Visualizing a Better Future

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Visualization techniques were common. Individuals would imagine their lives without the bad habit. They would picture themselves healthier, more successful, or happier. By focusing on this ideal version of themselves, they hoped to push through the tough moments of temptation.

10. Saying “No” Out Loud

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For some, simply saying “no” out loud every time they were tempted to engage in a bad habit was a powerful method. This verbal commitment helped to solidify their determination. It also acted as a kind of affirmation, helping them take control over their actions.

11. Using Substitution

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People often tried to replace their bad habits with healthier alternatives. Smokers might chew gum or go for a walk instead of lighting a cigarette. The idea was to keep the hands and mouth busy, making it easier to break the cycle.

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