We are simply following the engrained mind-patterns that come from repeated reinforcement. Bad or harmful habits, though, can cause us to spiral downward into destitution or destruction. Any attempt to retrain the mind requires conscious intervention into our habit patterns until old habits begin to atrophy through disuse as they are overlaid with new ones. This is the difficult task of the alcoholic recovering from habitual drinking. Habits originated in beliefs.
Conscious actions come from conscious beliefs that an action is desirable.
As the action is repeated it might become habitual. Even though the original belief is displaced with a different belief, our actions are usually still driven by the old habit. So, we jump to the conclusion that we can prevent the beginning of bad habits by having only valid belief systems. But, there is more. Beliefs come from teaching, experience and motivation.