I am generally not an eavesdropper; however, the conversation I heard between two people at a restaurant gave me something to think about.
The conversation went something like this:
PATRON #1: I cannot believe you just ordered a hot dog. Have you ever been to a hot dog plant, Joe?
PATRON #2: I just love hot dogs, Bill — and no — I’ve never been to a hot dog plant.
PATRON #1: Well, when I was in high school, I worked on the night shift at a local hot dog plant. More than once, I witnessed some workers dumping their dustbins into the meat grinder. After that, I never ate another hot dog in my life, Joe.
PATRON #2: None of that really matters to me. I love hot dogs, and I’m not going to stop eating them now. Thank you, Bill.
Whether true or not, the hot dog conversation seemed a bit gross to me. Gross, but comical. While driving home, it dawned on me that their conversation revealed why people may not change their habits, even if they might be unhealthy.
I surmise that most people do not change their habits because they do what they want to do. They like what they like. Their behavior satisfies them. It is just that simple. But perhaps, the biggest reason why most people do not change is that they choose not to change, whether or not it is a conscious or subconscious choice.
Some people might choose to change their habits, especially after a friend offers advice that might help them see things differently. Some people might not. There is no doubt that our personal choices can change our lives for the better or even make them much worse. So, pay attention. The signs for making positive changes are everywhere.
Some suggested reading:
- “The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery” by Don Miguel Ruiz
- “Cure: A Journey into the Science of Mind Over Body” by Jo Marchant (2016)
- “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
- “Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself” by Dr. Kristin Neff
- “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill