Could you elaborate more on the methods of both observation and that of remedying the shortcoming you see?
Edit: Accidentally posted twice. Got "dead link" on submission first time, so submitted again. All fixed now.
For example, if I wanted to break a bad / destructive habit first I needed to recognize and acknowledge that it wasn't a good thing. Then i would understand exactly why i did it (i.e., root cause). Afterwards, I would not only try to manage/remove the triggers but also break the routine that led me to the bad habits.
(as a side note i built an app that helped me solve this but in a professional context - which i intentionally didn't share because your question is broader than professional development shortcomings / improvements :))
I've got an easy answer for you:
I listen to my conscience. If it says don't do it, I don't do it.
Hard to implement. Nearly impossible sometimes.
But it's bit me in the butt enough to force me to comply.
In addition I try to keep things simple. One of my favourite uncles is a simple man. Not stupid, by far, just not overly complicated. Pretty much wears his heart on his sleeve. I try to be like that. A bit of Occam's Razor lifestyle.
Ben Franklin had some system for moral self improvement, I don’t recall the details but you should be able to find them.
Also thanks for the direction, does the following sound like what you're referring to:
1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation.
2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.
3. Order: Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.
4. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e., Waste nothing.
6. Industry: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation: Avoid extremes. Forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes, or habitation.
11. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring; never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.
13. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
Yes, those sound right, but Franklin had a system to improve on these things every day, the system is what I meant to direct you to, not just the list of virtues.
Find something you can volunteer for that is direct action and has you interact with people
Observe what words come out. Truly observe, attentively, but don't pause for reflection. It will take you somewhere, usually where you hurt the most. If there's a genuine desire to get rid of your own evil, it will arise.
Then do nothing. Don't read it back or reflect. It is what it is. Maybe throw it away, maybe save it for posthumous reasons.
You could say it's a written form of meditation.
How do you identify aspects of yourself that require attention?