New habit formation is so challenging. Not only do most of us struggle to establish new routines, we often rebel against our own best interest and go in the other direction. When we fall off a new diet regime, we then feast on junk food. When we slip up and have a drink during ‘dry January,’ we then proceed to have five more. This rebellious self-sabotaging behavior isn’t unique and psychologists have studied it extensively. 

On this week’s podcast, we meet psychologist, Michelle Segar, who suggests that the solution to making healthy lifestyle changes a long-lasting habit is to focus on making smaller strides toward your goal. It’s a refreshing approach to all or nothing thinking that dooms most of us to failure. 

Learn

• Why reactance behavior often drives us to rebel against rules and restrictions
• How CHAOS (Confusion, Hubbub and Order) can make sticking to new health habits more difficult
• Why it’s important to change your internal dialogue 

Links Michelle’s Site

ABOUT OUR GUEST Michelle is a researcher at the University of Michigan who’s spent nearly thirty years studying how to help people adopt healthy behaviors. She has a doctorate in Psychology (PhD), a master’s in Health Behavior/Health Education (MPH), and a master’s degree in Kinesiology (MS). Her first book is called No Sweat, and her new book is called The Joy Choice.

Nutritional Tip of the Week

• Green Tea for Weight Loss

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