Making changes

Although it is not easy to make changes, we all can do it.
There are some simple steps to follow:

1. Become aware of what you are doing (habit)
2. Inhibit (stop) the urge/habit
3. Consider your options
4. Consciously act

In the field of martial arts practice, this 4 step process is too slow for combat but it can be trained in partner practice.
Over time, old habits are shed and new/more effective habits replace them.
The ideal situation is where the student can respond spontaneously and appropriately to whatever is happening (as it is happening) without the need to consciously think at all.