Self-sabotage 146 The second benefit of staying in the nice idea phase is that to change direction in life requires energy. Most people feel worn out just surviving another day in this busy, modern world in which we live. As physics teaches us, changing the trajectory of any object requires energy and this is no truer than when we want to change the direction in which our life, or weight, is heading. This second benefit – that it takes precious energy – sits very much behind the design of the low sacrifice approach. If you have to do battle, use lots of self-discipline, on a day-by-day basis, you will give up – I know I would. Instead, effort has to be put into establishing the strategic structures at the outset that are the building blocks of new habits and a new eating lifestyle. Once we have done this – when we are good and motivated – if our motivation drops off, or waxes and wanes, it does not matter so much. Our strategic structures and new habits will carry us through. In short, our plan becomes more sabotage-proof. Going through the motions The ultimate sabotage is the expectation of failure, particularly for the long-term overweight. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common sabotage maneuvers used by the people I see. This is because it is not without basis. I don’ t think I have ever seen anyone who was dieting for the first time. By the time people are referred to me they have tried to lose weight before and, by definition, have failed – usually a lot more than twice. In fact I see overweight people who start a diet with the clear expectation that they will fail – for them it is only a matter of time. Have you ever done this? When I raised this with one of my patients she said,‘ I have never thought of dieting long-term. I only do it to reach my goal weight for a special occasion, or because I can’ t wear any of my clothes, and then I stop, put the weight back on and then plan to do it again!’ For this woman dieting was never meant to be a lifestyle.