When presented with a sudden, clear danger, most people will take immediate action. It may mean swerving in the car to avoid an accident. It might mean jumping back from a loud sound.
When presented with a clear, but not as sudden danger, such as getting stranded in the desert with no water, a reasonable person will start thinking of ways to get out of the predicament safely.
Why is it we, as a species, are almost completely blind to long-term health problems and how they will affect our longevity, and standard of life?
Denial?
I was certainly in denial about my obesity for quite some time, but even when I came to grips with the fact that I was “The Fat Guy”, it still took a few years for me to take action.
Not Taking Responsibility?
It’s easy to blame your health problems on circumstances out of your control. Genetics, bad luck, too stressed out, and other excuses cause us to not bother making a change, because “it’s not our fault”.
Laziness?
Another “fat guy” I talked to has an elliptical and other exercise equipment at home. It’s not for him, it’s for his wife. It’s bought and paid for, he might as well use it. It’s easy to be lazy. I’m an expert at it. Making lifestyle changes is hard work, but it’s completely worth the effort.
After years of being obese, I chose to change it. If you need to lose weight, quit smoking, eat healthier, or develop some muscle tone, please do. It will not only prolong your life, but make more of your life happier.
Buy it today, pay for it later…
I think is of the same mind set.
Yup, that’s another valid one. “I’ll work out extra-hard tomorrow for what I ate today”. The truth of the matter is most people who successfully lose weight (and keep it off) actually will eat what they want much of the time. It’s just a matter of controlling portion size, and changing what you want over time.