I've found it easy to stop a great deal of such behaviors by examining not what they promise to deliver, but what they actually brought. I.e. don't look forward, look backward when making decisions.
Alcohol promises a great time. Alcohol delivers a hangover and regrets.
Junk food promises a great time. Junk food delivers poor health and regrets.
Going to the gym promises hardship and struggle. It delivers health. I've never once regretted it.
Reading a book promises struggling and boredom. It delivers wisdom and inspiration. I've never once regretted it.
If you compare what you think you will happen with what you know will happen from experience, it's very easy to see how often you are misjudging these things.
Alcohol promises a great time. Alcohol delivers a hangover and regrets.
Junk food promises a great time. Junk food delivers poor health and regrets.
Going to the gym promises hardship and struggle. It delivers health. I've never once regretted it.
Reading a book promises struggling and boredom. It delivers wisdom and inspiration. I've never once regretted it.
If you compare what you think you will happen with what you know will happen from experience, it's very easy to see how often you are misjudging these things.