Change or Die

[Tetris15]

I was in a book store today and came across a book titled "Change or Die" by Alan Deutschman. I highly recommend it though I'm not sure how to explain it so bear with me.
Recently some of my relative came to visit. They're in their 60s and 70s and their health isn't very good - actually, its downright horrible. I know their doctors have told them they need to diet and excercise or they will die but this fear does not work on them. I never understood why or how people could act so ignorantly or apathetically but the book was able to explain the psycology of people like my relatives. In fact, according to this book only 1 out of 10 people that are told they need to "change or die" are able to change. The book explains both the whys and the hows of change.
So anyway, I found it very insightful and wanted to pass the word along. I know I'm not the only one with sick relatives or even a spouse that is resistant to learning about raw.

[spicyfull]

Sounds interesting, there is ALWAYS Room for CHANGE...........Thanks for Sharing.

[sport]

Shortcut to: http://www.fastcompany.com/articles/2007/01/change-or-die.html

[SbutterAMfly]

Maybe some people aren't afraid of death. Struggling to change things that they have been doing their entire life could possibly be worse to them than death.

I think that by giving them an ultimatum like that is totally fear based. So I understand why it doesn't work on 9 out of 10 people. If it were presented to me like that, I wouldn't do it either.

I agree that change is inevitable, and I'm willing to accept it as it happens to myself, and initiate it when I think it's necessary. But if I had lived for 60+ years a certain way and I'm sincerely comfortable with the way I am, if I was told that if I didn't change I would die… I wouldn't do it... not for that reason.

Dying is inevitable. I'd rather live a happy life than struggle to change only for the basis that I'd live longer... continuing to struggle.

On the other hand, change to live a happier life is a completely different situation all together. No ultimatum involved.

[DivaInTheRaw]

I totally agree with SbutterAMfly, fear often immobilizes people into inaction - the deer in the headlights response, or produces disdain and indifference. However, fear can also be a catalyst for change and compel one to run to freedom. "Be Free or Die" was Harriet Tubman's exhortation as she guided over 300 to freedom as the conductor of the Underground Railroad. She refused to allow one's immobilizing fear jeopardize their freedom. And I must add that Ms. Tubman NEVER lost one person! The point here is that we can act as "conductors" and guide others who may be fearful of change to freedom even through their fears. Showing them that change does not have to be a struggle and that the benefits are so worth stretching out of their comfort zone. That's my mission - will you make it yours?

Blessings!