Based on Chapter 2: “A Collective Immunity to Change”
Why do people say they want to be healthy… yet keep doing the very things that make them sick?
Dr. Deppert introduces a powerful concept from psychology: competing commitments — the hidden beliefs and habits that sabotage our goals.
He writes, “Every excuse that popped into your head… is your competing commitment.”
What Is a Competing Commitment?
It’s the internal tug‑of‑war between what you say you want and what your subconscious is protecting.
Examples:
- “I want to quit smoking” vs. “Smoking calms me down.”
- “I want to lose weight” vs. “I don’t want to meal prep.”
- “I want to sleep better” vs. “I scroll my phone until midnight.”
These aren’t failures — they’re patterns.
Why Change Feels Hard
Humans avoid discomfort. Even positive change feels threatening because it disrupts routine, identity, and social norms.
As the book explains:
“A group’s desire for change is undermined by a shared, subconscious goal… avoiding social discomfort or maintaining group cohesion.”
Translation:
If your friends eat junk, drink heavily, or avoid exercise, you’re more likely to do the same.
How to Break the Cycle
- Name the competing commitment.
Awareness dissolves resistance. - Build accountability.
Dr. Deppert writes, “Find a few friends that are of the same mindset.” - Schedule your success.
Change doesn’t happen by accident — it happens by appointment. - Replace “I can’t” with “I choose.”
Language shapes behavior.
The Takeaway
You’re not broken. You’re not weak. You’re not unmotivated.
You’re simply human — and humans resist change until they understand why.
Once you identify your competing commitments, you unlock the ability to transform your health permanently.
