"I Want To, But..."

How many times have you told yourself you need to eat better. Then as soon as you tell yourself that, you don't want to anymore.

The truth is that most of us feel ambivalent about healthy changes. We know we should, but...

• it takes more effort, time, money, or commitment than we think we are comfortable sacrificing. 
• we view it as so difficult, we're not sure we're really able.
• we've believe we've got too much resistance from loved ones, too much momentum in our current habits, or too much to do already.

The interesting thing about our own psychology is that we usually tend to side with the last argument we voice. So if we tell ourselves first that we want to change, we will end up arguing ourselves out of it by the very next sentiment that comes to mind.

Bottom line: if you really do want to improve your dietary habits, reverse the sentence! Instead of "I shouldn't eat so much sugar, but I love it so much," try saying, "I really have a sweet tooth, but I want to cut back."

Here's another positive reversal: "I don't want to spend more time in the kitchen, but I know I will feel better if I eat out less."

Reversals are a helpful trick, but eventually we have to become empowered. Think about the difference between the words willpower and empower. One is power of mind; the other is power of heart. To discipline ourselves to do something is noble. To be inspired and develop passion for it is lasting.

My inspiration comes from understanding the beauty and design of the human body, and its harmony with earth's myriad species - a relationship that I believe is providential. Where does your inspiration come from?