单选题
Eat more healthily. Exercise twice a week. Read more books. Lose weight. We make the same resolutions every year, but most of us fail, and quit after only a few days or, at best, weeks. Even the most successful among us crash when it comes to personal change. For example, President Barack Obama struggles with his smoking habit.
So why is change so challenging? Are we wired in a way that keeps us from making changes? And do we need the support of others to reach our goal, or can we do it alone?
Professionals who help people make change in their lives suggest that the change is determined not by one"s mind. Beginning with small goals or steps usually leads to a bigger pay-off later, they say. And trying to make a change is easier with support from a group of friends, family, or co-workers with shared goals.
"People are more likely to make positive changes in their lives not only when their friends do, but when their friends of friends do, and when their friends of friends of friends do," said Nicholas Christakis, a professor of medical sociology at Harvard University.
Johnny Augustin understands that well. His resolution for 2009 was to reduce 30 pounds from his 237-pound frame. But the change didn"t come easy. He said, "I"m a huge procrastinator. There"s desire, but I just kept putting it off. I didn"t get to it until the summer." However, Augustin got inspired when he saw his elder brother working out. Now Augustin weighs 190 pounds.
Having a positive attitude is one of the keys to making a successful change, according to Judy Zerafa, author of several books based on how people can improve their lives. She emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself—and having positive habits, a creative imagination, and persistence—to make change happen.