Isn’t it interesting that it seems the low-income areas in America have more people who are overweight? Sad.

Isn’t it interesting that it seems the low-income areas in America have more people who are overweight? Sad.

My wife constantly nags me to do both and I (politely as possible) blow her off. Thanks for hitting the nail on the head and offering tools for success.

Teeth are a big deal. We don’t appreciate them until they’re gone.

Deutschman offers a three prong solution… relate, repeat, and reframe.

His research suggests that people who join a support group, continually repeat good habits, and re-frame their outlook to a positive outcome can actually make a lasting change. In a nutshell, it's your points number 4, 3, and 1 above. In my life, I can attest to the life changing power of a coach, editor, and mastermind group… to name a few. My greatest challenge has always been consistency, and that is where an outside coaching voice is so valuable.

I love the benefits, but right now I'm having trouble getting to bed at a decent time because of various obligations I have. I need to reorganize that before I think I'll make any progress on the other side.

-Marshall Jones Jr.

You may have just talked me into flossing! :-)

I’ve always battled the “bad” cholesterol for some reason (I’m in good physical shape, better-than-average diet, parents didn’t/don’t have high cholesterol). BUT, I *can* do better with my diet and I need to be more regular with my exercise. I know I *can* do it — I recently did 30,000 steps/day for 29 days in a row (second year in a row) as part of a denomination-wide incentive program, which I blogged about: http://www.williswired.com/2010/05/19/adrenaline-hangover/.

My problem area in my role as a pastor is that, even though time with God is a value, sometimes my work for God gets in the way of my time with God! :-(

Thanks for the encouragement!

Reading your post reminded me that just because I haven't suffered that fate yet doesn't mean I won't. Here's hoping that revelation combined with your 5 strategies will put me over the top.

All of your strategies are good, but each person may not need all 5. For some, just one strategy might tip them into a new habit.

I am especially careful about recommending external accountability – believing that it is so important to take personal responsibility for one's own habits/lifestyle – for the habit to persist.

I believe establishing a ritual to be the strongest, most effective strategy. And tracking progress (or a diary or journal) to be the next most effective.

BTW, your teeth are beautiful! ;)

You pose an interesting and real problem. Healthy food can be expensive.

One of the lessons I learnt from my Grandmother who went to be with Jesus in December 2009 at the ripe old age of 104, was that we should eat our vegetables. I remember having Sunday lunches with my grandparents when I was a student in Cape Town. She really knew how to make simple yet tasty meals that were healthy and not too expensive.

Hope your missionary support increases.

Bruce Munnings

bd
@bdunc1

New habits and change start in the mind. No doubt. Along the same line of your last sentence, for me… habits and change ultimately come down to DESIRE + ACTION. Am I tired of ___ enough to DO something about it versus just WANTing to do something about it?

Like reading the Bible. I have a friend who says he wants to read the Bible more but never has time. He sure could find time to get up early and go stand in line for HOURS to get a new iPhone 4. Guess it shows which he wants more.

Desire + Action = Results.