Don't fall into this trap

Hi Everyone

Thanks for all of the great comments on last week's email! Here is it if you missed this one.

Your comments helped spark an idea for what could be a major new way we present the SparkPeople website and app. This could make SparkPeople simpler, less overwhelming for different types of users, and lead to dramatically better results for our members. I'm working hard on this concept this weekend because I'm so excited about it.

Here's one comment from last week's email. Note that whenever someone mentions me specifically, I automatically translate credit for the comment to our team, our members helping each other, and even our partners helping us in some way.

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IAMAGEMLOVER
What do I think of it. I think you changed my life for the better. I lost 132 pounds, so I am healthier, and I do apply it to my life. I am happier and do accomplish more on a daily basis. So many people have commented on the change in me. I do see a counselor. I use to go once a week. That has changed. I now see her once a month. We talked about SP, she read your book and she said she uses a lot of your techniques with other patients. Chris I don't think you know how many people's lives you have touched for the better. You are a hero.
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Don't fall into this trap

This morning I read an interesting article about a 26-year-old woman who ended up getting into significant debt (over $10K). Her problem was she moved to New York City for an internship and became a social media influencer. She wasn't making money from her internship, but bought expensive new outfits, travelled regularly, ate at nice restaurants, and more. To her credit, she eventually figured out the error of her ways and stopped this spending and paid off the debt over time once she got a paying job.

This reminded me how important making good financial decisions can be to losing weight and stay healthy. The reason is that we've always known from member surveys that emotional/stress-eating is either the #1 reason people gain weight, or very close to the top.

Spending money on things we don't really need can become a real trap for people that eventually leads to a high amount of stress. The bills always come due and can pile up fast. I'm not talking about financial issues that are more unavoidable, or even expenses that are worth it like an incredible trip with your friends/family that you can afford.

I think one of the best ways to not fall into this trap is to really know your core values, your purpose in life, and what you are really fighting for. When you do this, it's much easier to focus on those items and not get distracted by the glitz that is all around us (even on social media). Knowing what you are working towards makes life more fun and meaningful than superficial options. Here's one article I wrote that fits this topic.

This topic also reminded me of one of the funniest Saturday Night Live skits I have ever seen. Remember, laughter is healthy, so this skit could easily be worth 2 minutes and really is a good motivator in addition to being good comedy.

(I can only find this on NBC. This means there is a chance they will block the video if you are outside the U.S. If that's the case, do a search on "Don't Buy Stuff You Cannot Afford Saturday Night Live" to see if you can find it.)

I just watched it again and now my stomach hurts from laughing :).

Let me know what you think on this blog.

Also, if you haven't joined my SparkTeam, here is a link to the team.

Have a good week!

SparkCheers!

Chris "SparkGuy" Downie



Chris (SparkGuy)

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