First, we cannot change anyone. We can help people that want to change. We can be facilitators in the process of change. But, nothing we we do will make any difference if the individual doesn’t want to change. (Actually, that’s not completely true. But that’s a post for another time.)

That said, I’m constantly looking for ways to help individuals or groups of individuals make positives changes in their lives. I spend a great deal of time wondering how we, as an industry, can have a greater impact on the obesity epidemic. Why do people continue behaviors that they know are harming them? It’s not a lack of information. Look at cigarette smoking. The warnings are right there on the package. They know its unhealthy. People also know that being obese is a danger to their health. There are many other forces at work here… inherent, cultural forces that need to be our real targets. I don’t have the answers yet, but I’m starting to form some ideas. Join me in changing our society. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Best wishes, Mark Nutting

P.S. Here are my two favorite books on changing behaviors. *Warning, it’s difficult to read these and not get motivated to change the world.

Influencer: The Power to Change Anything

Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard