user-1: I noticed that if I set an intention to avoid some behaviour, I rarely follow through. I feel perhaps a mere intention based on willpower doesn't have much strength. 
Is it more effective to direct one's thoughts to a virtuous object whenever fantasies and cravings, or worries and rumination, occur? Are these cravings/worries causing the problems?
Is just setting an intention mentally sometimes not adequate?

user-1: You might want to consult Vitakkasanthana Sutta: The Removal of Distracting Thoughts
https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.020.soma.html
It explains how one deals with unwholesome thoughts in several ways and 'Reorienting Thoughts Towards Virtuous Object' is one of those ways.

-1: <p>I noticed that if I set an intention to avoid some behaviour, I rarely follow through. I feel perhaps a mere intention based on willpower doesn't have much strength. </p>

<p><strong>Is it more effective to direct one's thoughts to a virtuous object whenever fantasies and cravings, or worries and rumination, occur? Are these cravings/worries causing the problems?</strong></p>

<p>Is <em>just</em> setting an intention mentally sometimes not adequate?</p>
 -1: <p>You might want to consult Vitakkasanthana Sutta: The Removal of Distracting Thoughts
<a href="https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.020.soma.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.020.soma.html</a></p>

<p>It explains how one deals with unwholesome thoughts in several ways and 'Reorienting Thoughts Towards Virtuous Object' is one of those ways.</p>
