Page 124 - The Power to Change Anything

Surpass Your Limits 113

knew of his deep affection for chocolate gave it to him. The
tempting bar sat on his desk for over a week.
Moments ago Henry decided to heft the plank-sized con-
fection merely to see what two pounds felt like. When he did,
he noticed that the adhesive holding the wrapper around the
inner foil lining had failed. It appeared as if it was about to fall
away, seductively revealing the beautiful red, shiny foil be-
neath it—the last defense before the chocolate itself.
Henry tugged at the wrapper playfully, and with almost no
effort it came free. The next few seconds were almost a blur.
Without thinking, Henry’s hands peeled back the top flap of
the foil and exposed the rich chocolate. In a rush, chocolate-
filled childhood memories poured through his head as his fin-
gers pried loose a single dark brown section—a modest,
harmlessly small packet of pleasure. He brought the treat to his
lips—and then it was over. The chocolate began its inexorable
transformation from cocoa, fat, and sugar to cellulite.
Here’s the problem. At the moment when Henry should be
enjoying one of his secret pleasures, he’s depressed. As he now
gobbles down the chocolate, with each bite he’s convinced that
he strayed from his diet because he lacks the proper strength
of character. It’s clear that he doesn’t have moxie or willpower.
In short, he’s a weak person. Up until this sad indulgence, he
had valiantly cut back on calories while sincerely promising
himself to start an exercise regime. This new, iron-willed Henry
ruled for eight full days. And then the mere touch of the red
foil lining brought him to ruin.
Henry wonders if he can overcome the genetic hand that
he’s been dealt. He has neither self-discipline to diet nor the
athletic prowess to exercise effectively. Surely he’s doomed to
a life of huffing and puffing. But then again, unbeknownst to
Henry, a long line of research suggests that maybe he isn’t
doomed at all. There’s a good chance that he can actually learn
what it takes to withstand the temptations of chocolate as well
as how to improve his ability to exercise properly.