Do the Opposite!

exercise fitness habit healthy eating mental health Sep 08, 2022

Find it difficult to maintain healthy habits constantly? That's because habit change is a skill you build continuously through practice and by taking action. Here's a quick tip that keeps me moving: Do the Opposite!

Do the Opposite

"Do the opposite" means take the opposite action from what your brain and body want to do. What you "feel like" is the primal, auto-pilot, lazy brain's direction. And auto-pilot will always retreat to old habits, what's easy and what feels good.

We all naturally tend to "seek pleasure and avoid pain." That's one of the reasons why it's so difficult to change our habits and routines. It takes work and some thinking, and deliberate choice-making to change.

The Polite Push

The "executive functioning" part of the brain is what makes responsible decisions and stays actively engaged. Doing the opposite of what the auto-pilot wants politely pushes (forces) the executive functioning brain to work.

Don't Feel Like It?

"I don't feel like exercising" is a normal reaction from the auto-pilot. Just do the opposite, take the opposite action: go for a walk, go to the gym, or exercise. Moving and working up a sweat isn't easy and comfortable; that's why the auto-pilot will reliably protest. Doing the opposite is the responsible and healthiest action.

"Feel-like" eating…something specific like pizza or maybe a flavor like something salty or sweet? That's not hunger talking; it's a craving. Feelings work to point you towards pleasure, and what feels good and cravings are the distinct signature of the old-habit brain talking. Ignore it and "do the opposite."

Are you snoozing the alarm instead of getting out of bed for a workout or rummaging around the pantry for snacks? It's okay, stop. Pause and re-direct your action. It's not too late to "do the opposite": step away from the kitchen or get out of bed and head to the gym.

Never Feel Like It?

For most of us, what we "feel like" will always be dialed towards the opposite of what's healthy. Which is fine; it's normal. The longer you continue to "do the opposite," the easier it will be. The auto-pilot will still try to put in a request, it may "never feel like" exercising, but the more you continue to overrule it and do the opposite, it will complain a lot less.

3 Small Steps

Notice the autopilot's push; that's the first step. The second step is to intercept it or stop the old habit. The third step is to "do the opposite" action and make the change.

Start working on these three "doing the opposite" parts to take action in a healthier direction. And if you're an Interactive Member, let me know where you notice it. Post in the Support Group: Where did you catch your auto-pilot? Were you surprised at how often the auto-pilot shows up?

Progress Matters, Not Perfection

Members, check out the 3 Motivation categories of the Member's Video Library and watch all five videos, including the two workshops, to help build the skills!

Subscribers listen to my Podcast episode #23, Maintaining Motivation.