Change Part 2

So, finishing off the talk about that "neuroscience of Change" program.
I finished it, so I'll talk about the last 2 disks.

Think about the deeper motivations of your goal (Going back to the previous example). Do you want to lose weight so you look better?
A bit deeper than that. To improve your health, maybe.
And even deeper. better health will make you feel better and more secure throughout your life.

If there's something you want to avoid thinking about (like a big box of truffles in your cabinet), if you try to shove that idea out of your mind, it will actually become more firmly rooted. The best thing to do is acknowledge whatever it is you want to avoid thinking about. And once you've experienced that desire or thought, remind yourself that you're not supposed to eat candy today. This is a much more successful way to avoid something.

If you want to change a habit, the thing that is most proven to help is to make a schedule for yourself. The more detailed, the better. Don't just say "I'm going to eat less and exercise more." Plan out when you'll exercise, and what you'll do. Plan out the healthy foods that you're going to eat, and for which meals.
When you have a schedule, it means that you've already made the decision to change, instead of having to make that decision when lunch time rolls around. And when you're stressed (and more likely to revert to old habits) a schedule will keep you on track, since the decision to follow your goal has already been made.