Pray, Tell (how to change bad habits)

The key to changing bad habits is realizing that the whole process requires tremendous Siyata Dishmaya. “Speak to Hashem, in your own words, and tell Him how imprisoned you are by the habit you’re in distress about. Ask Him for help. Bad habits are burdensome, they’re heavy. Remember the words of Tehillim, ‘Cast your burdens on Hashem.’ The more you enlist His help, the more successful you will be.”

No habit is too small, insignificant, or silly to bring before our Maker. But in order to truly root out a habit, it’s important to approach it from its very core. “You need to focus your efforts in thinking about the source of the bad habit, not just the habit itself,”

If a person lies because they have low self-esteem, then they need to address their low self-esteem, not just the lying. The Vilna Gaon says that in order to come to a place of not speaking Lashon Hara, one needs to change their attitude and feelings towards other people. Once you have a picture of what the root of the habit actually is, you can begin to think about steps you can take to bring into your life on a daily basis.”

from Rebbetzin Heller's blog
http://www.tziporahheller.com/?q=blog/pray-tell-how-change-bad-habits