He gives a very good bit of advice that is applicable in other contexts as well: consciously attack your problems when you're "in a motivationally 'high' state

He gives a very good bit of advice that is applicable in other contexts as well: consciously attack your problems when you're "in a motivationally 'high' state." You practice new behaviors in the "high" state and gradually push them down to lower states through practice until they're dependable reflexes. This is the only way I've ever changed a bad habit, so if you're failing with cold turkey, give this a try.