We all set out to turn over a new leaf and change some bad habits for good ones at the start of a New Year. For a lot of people, making this change last proves to be all but impossible. Now I know you are one of those that can make change stick. I am talking about other people out there and one of the obstacles that they face, namely secondary gain.
Secondary gain can sabotage even goals set with the most vivid full-colour 3D surround sound moving picture vision with smell and taste on top. It is essentially secondary “benefits” people gain from a bad habit. For example smoking could have the secondary gain of social interaction or camaraderie with other smokers.
Ideally, what they should do is to acknowledge the secondary gains attached to the unwanted behaviour and then come up with a different strategy to get the benefit without the unwanted behaviour. In other cases just acknowledging the secondary gain exists and uncovering its nature is enough to make a difference.
Keeping your New Year’s resolutions?
20 01 2009
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