“Although people often assume that cravings intensify over time, **research shows that with active distraction, urges**—­even strong urges—­**usually subside within about fifteen minutes**. So now whenever I’m tempted to break a good habit (or indulge in a bad habit, two sides of the same coin), I say to myself, “**I can leave my desk—­in fifteen minutes.**” The delay of fifteen minutes is often long enough for me to get absorbed in something else. If I distract myself sufficiently, I may forget about a craving entirely.” --- **Tags** -- [[quotes]], [[distraction]] , [[attention]] , [[bad-habits]] , [[cravings]], **Source** -- [[20240806084000 - B - Better Than Before]]