Whoa

When I have a day that is not bombarded by cues to eat and rebuffing of those cues it’s worth a blog entitled, “Whoa.” I enjoy days like yesterday. Sort of.

I spent five hours yesterday in interviews. Didn’t leave the conference save a quick trip to the restroom. There weren’t any food distractions in the room. Coffee and water were there, that’s it. No muffins, bagels, or other finger food to stare at me all morning while silently saying, “Come eat me. I’m good. I’m what you want.” Make that screaming at me. Nope, only one small window at the end of the room provided distraction. After wrapping up interviews I spent time focused on a project.

The key to my “whoa” day yesterday was that I was not presented with eating opportunities and by being caged in a conference room my habits were held in check. Couldn’t very easily stand up, say, “my habit is calling,” and walk out. For the day my location helped me out, I ignored the clock for whatever reason, the others around me were not eating, my emotions were focused on the tasks at hand. I never had the chance for a habit to kick in and therefore didn’t have any proceeding actions. Guess I’ll just have to lock myself in a room with no food and with others who don’t eat to battle my habits. Doubtful that would lead to any long term success.

Yesterday did prove a point to me. If I’m immersed in something my habit battles aren’t as fierce. I’m distracted, and combine that with the environment of the interviews and I had a good day. On most days I’m busy in the afternoons but either food is accessible or I’m alone with my thoughts. More information for my pattern finding.

All week I’ve paying attention to my habits. Yesterday I mentioned finding some trends. As they become more clear I need to begin thinking about plans to control those habits. I need to be proactive for if I’m in the moment of a habit with no alternative plan the habit will win everyday day of the week. And sometimes twice. We’ll talk strategy tomorrow. How are your habits going?

Finally, here’s a habit of ours (ours in the sense of the United States) that is spreading. Voluntary inactivity. Ouch. And It kills people more than smoking.