Thursday, January 27, 2011

Peer Pressure

Have you ever noticed how much your decisions to work to get more healthy makes other people uncomfortable?

There are so many examples it is not funny. I expected to have a much easier wellness week this week than last, but this week has brought on new challenges! Monday I was in my home office, that was a Great day, but Tuesday & Wednesday have really reminded me how much getting healthy makes others uncomfortable!

I have spent the last two days(and I will again today an perhaps part of tomorrow) held up in a conference room with a customer and a vendor. We start at 9:00 AM and go until 8:00 or 9:00 PM and go eat dinner as a group. From the lunch that is catered in, semi-healthy Sandwiches with Lays Fried Chips and cookies, to strange looks our insults to your manhood for ordering sparkling water instead of a cocktail.

I have a theory on this, I think it has very little to do with my choices and has a lot more to do with theirs. Your efforts to make healthier choices makes them question there own choices! It focuses on the negative aspects of there actions and they DO NOT LIKE IT!

This week has shone me that my new responsibilities at work are going to bring new challenges! No Excuses, I am just going to have to refocus my efforts!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Dunwoody, GA

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great insight Matt! With my job I work in a home office most of the time, so no big deal, but at the end of February I am going to be out of town for two weeks, living in a hotel. During that two weeks I will be eating out a lot with clients etc. So I can't help but think about how i am going to do. I am glad I still have a little time to prepare myself, but I am for sure going to remember what you said! I think that will help! This definitely is a learning process! Great job on good choices!

Sherri said...

I think you're spot on with your assessment....the best part is that you ARE causing them to start having their own internal dialogue (and, alas, external) dialogue about wellness. You may just be the example they need to see to start getting their own house in order. Either way, good for you for sticking to your plan, Matt, and for not getting defensive with those folks, but instead hearing them with compassion in your heart (and maybe a little minor irritation!! heehee)

Mary Beth said...

Good for you Matt!! That is exactly what your decisions are doing and congratulations on staying true to yourself. My word, your damned if you do and your damned if you do not, huh?
I have been sober for ten years now and THAT really works on people. When you do not join in a cocktail, chip, cookie, it can really throw people off. Keep in mind those are the very same people leaving saying, "whew, I wish I hadn't had X Y and Z tonight". Stay on top of your game and ahead of the pack!!
Again, nice job.
No Excuses.
Mary Beth

Rob Johansen said...

On the nose, matt! Just let your actions speak to them, and humbly talk about it if they want to start talking. I do think someone gabbing about this without being asked can lead to bad stuff. I think it's great to let folks see what you are doing, and let them engage in talk if they want.