Making Permanent Changes in Behavior

This is something I have researched for a long time & have concluded it has to do mostly with changing one's peer group & declaring your intentions to change in a public manner.

I'll give you a few examples

Weight Watcher

It's well known that Weight Watchers is one of the most successful dieting systems available. The dieting information with Weight Watchers is pretty standard fair but the results are anything but typical (we're all aware that most diets fail).

What sets Weight Watchers apart is that it puts you in a new peer group. You're forced to deal with the consequences of disappointing your peers and your need for social acceptance is far greater than the cravings you're dealing with.

The statistics for weight gain after someone gives up on Weight Watchers back this up.

Alcoholics Anonymous

This is the same of the same principles applied to a much deeper problem. Alcoholism is a disease and much a graver problem than obesity. However, there is a social aspect to AA (in addition to all of the counseling etc.) that helps to keep it's member's dry.

Richard Wiseman in his book 59 seconds talks about using these principles to effect real lasting change in behaviors.
Here is a short interview with him talking about the science behind change.

I'll summarize the steps based on the video link above and my own reading of his book:

1) Develop a plan to reach your goal. Be specific & detail each step. Consider this to be your own personal project plan.

2) Declare your goal publically (ex., announce your weight loss plans to your family, friends & maybe even start a blog about it!). I've found that announcing your intentions to a person who you are competitive with also helps.

3) Rewards yourself for your progress.

4) Follow & stick with your plan. Visualize each and every step along the way (ex, instead of visualzing yourself at 170lbs visualize yourself running 30 minutes every day and enjoying it).

That's it. I swear by these techniques and have found them to be very useful.

-Michael