As I read this I'm reminded of the Bhagavad Gita. I'm not religious, but I find the Gita to be useful in the modern world. Especially chapters 3 and 5.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagvad_Gita#Overview_of_chapte...

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Sometimes it's easier to change habits in groups rather than alone: http://akkartik.name/blog/resolutions