Answers (2)
You need to really focus on convincing yourself that nothing bad will happen if you don't do your particular OCD-habit. You need to practise holding yourself back and not carrying out the ritual. For sure your mind will be focusing on it if you haven't done it, but you must make it a conscious fight. OCD affects many people, mostly for only a limited period of time until they really understand and absorb the irrationality of what they are doing. Try to keep yourself busy and distracted, particularly around the situations where your ritual is likely to occur, move quickly onto the next thing so you are not dwelling on the topic in your mind. Avoid solitude and self-isolation. If it gets bad, read some books about it but don't convince yourself it is a permanent condition, it is not. And don't be afraid to discuss it with your closest family members.