Listener question: how do I not make this a technique?

Listener question:  I noticed that if I get stressed, that I try to "do the same thing" that worked last time. I sort of see that the last time something "worked out" it wasn't because I did something specific with the controlling mind. But at the same time I remember doing things like observing overwhelming feelings (which seems to have helped me a lot). How do I not make this a technique? (which is definitely a question of a controlling mind..)