The New Theories of Tension and Desire

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As a behavior scientist, how do you define a temptation? We're used to thinking of temptation as something that controls us from the outside. But what i think is really interesting are the new theories that are about temptation and desire. And they propose it's coming from inside our brain. It's not just that that cake looks good. No, it's that and this. we could think of these as forces that are in our life's bace at these choice points. That's exactly right. The grounded theory of cognition says is all about the sense, the sensory experiences that go with it,. and the meanings that go with them.

When it comes to making behavior change around diet and exercise, it's no secret that many people fail in their efforts. My guest would say that's because too often we only concentrate on the things that drive us towards that change — whether willpower, or motivation, or the rewards that turn behaviors into habits — and that we need to think more about the obstacles keeping us from making the decisions we desire.

Her name is Michelle Segar and she's a behavioral science researcher and health coach, as well as the author of The Joy Choice: How to Finally Achieve Lasting Changes in Eating and Exercise. Today on the show, Michelle explains why exercise and eating aren't conducive to becoming habits — at least of the automatic variety — and why it's more helpful to think of these behaviors in terms of "life space" and "choice points." She makes the case for why we shouldn't just focus on what drives behaviors, but also understand what disrupts them, and unpacks four of these disruptors: temptation, rebellion, accommodation, and perfection. Michelle then offers a three-step decision tool for dealing with these disruptors, and explains how to develop the flexibility to choose the perfect imperfect option that keeps you consistent and even celebrate and enjoy the decision to do something instead of nothing.