Probably a more suitable strategy that I have used to break my habit is that of positive punishment, as a form of self-punishment. At this point, I can honestly say that I have remembered each time I go to the dining hall to not use a tray. If I were to grab a tray, though, I know that there would come a point at which I would recognize my mistake. At this point, I know that I would immediately feel a sense of guilt and probably also embarrassment, particularly because it is important to me to break this habit. Additionally, I have asked some of my friends to go trayless with me, and I know that if they saw me with a tray, after all of my preaching, that they would certainly point out my error, implying that I should know better. I think my knowledge of this consequence, of my friends' reactions to my "slip," would be enough to make me feel a sense of disappointment in myself and thus, I would be self-imposing a punishment to make me curb the bad habit in the future.
On another note, as I mentioned, I asked some of my friends to join me in breaking this habit, and they, somewhat to my surprise, have actually participated. I find it really rewarding to know that they are willing to join me in this cause. And I think part of the reason that some of them have agreed is because of the way I asked them. I was very earnest when I asked if they would join me, and I don't think I allowed my aggressiveness to come out in this instance. Although they may not remember each time, when we have eaten together they have pointed out that they are only using a plate or have told me that they haven't used a tray since such-and-such a day. It makes me quite pleased, and it also makes me think about the power of persuasiveness and how if everyone were able to get their friends to join them, that pretty soon we could make a much larger impact.
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