While watching the news (Daily Show) yesterday, I saw a report alleging that The American Heart Association, American Cancer Association, and American Diabetic Association opposed a bill that would have mandated discounts on health insurance premiums for people who engage in exercise.  Is it unbelievable that these non-profits could be so obviously corrupt from their stated agenda?  No that’s completely believable.  There unbelievable part is that there is a lot of truth to their “justification” which was: people can’t change, especially people with these diseases.

Counter-intuitive, isn’t it?  If you were diagnosed with a preventable or reversible LIFE THREATING disease, wouldn’t you be motivated to prevent your own death?  Nope.  9-1 odds are you’d just die.  So let’s walk away from the motivation issue.  Actually, let’s re-frame it for better understanding.  Fear of death is a motivator, just not a very good one.  Shockingly, the Joy of Life is a good motivator, especially when compared to the fear of death.

Individuals show a remarkable capacity for change when there is reward and reinforcement accompanying the change, i.e. Joy is enhanced through implementing change.  More counter-intuitive data:  Two thirds of patients prescribed statin drugs (cholesterol controlling medicine) quit taking their prescriptions within a year.  Dr. Dean Ornish’s holistic approach (diet, exercise, yoga, community of healthy support) to heart disease shows a 77% success rate at avoiding surgery and medication.  The diet and exercise (hard work) was more effective and often longer lasting than the pill-popping solution.  Why?  Because the drugs don’t make you feel better.  They don’t cure the chest pain, shortness of breath, obesity or any other host of problems that come with sub-optimal health choices.  No joy to come along with these prescriptions, although I’m sure somebody is working on Soma-like pills for just that sensation.

When addressing change in your life, movement away from pain is good but not great.  Great is making a mental connection with the Joy your change will bring into your life.  It may not be as significant as walking across the street without pain in the chest or the ability to make love with your significant other… or maybe it is!  Perhaps Joy would be riding your bike to work and not dying (at least in Portland, not dying from a heart attack).

The take away is Joy beats Fear.  Use Joy to propel change.  Be healthy.  Make Love.  Ride your bike, Portland!

‘Nuff Said.