Habits... the only reason they persist is that they are offering some satisfaction. You allow them to persist by not seeking any other, better form of satisfying the same needs. Every habit, good or bad, is acquired and learned in the same way -- by finding that it is a means of satisfaction.
We all have voices in our heads which talks to us on an almost constant basis. Our voices give us messages continually, and what they say to us affects us.
The real trick is to make the moves in your head first, as a way of testing them out.