Having worked with olympic athletes, leaders of business and thousands of other people over the past 15 years I have come to the conclusion that most of us human beings have an incredible capacity to fool ourselves. How many times do we tell ourselves that we'll start tomorrow or we'll have just one more, only to have broken the habit days, minutes or sometimes only seconds later.

Behavioral scientists tell us that when it comes to thinking and planning beyond the next five minutes we do a horrible job. Motivation and behavioral change are complex topics but today I want to share a simple strategy that in many cases makes a profound difference. This strategy is clearly evident when we see a women who has struggled to give up cigarettes her whole life until she realizes she is pregnant, it is also present when we see a fireman run into a burning building to save another's life or a sportsperson who goes that extra mile to secure the team victory. In each of these cases the individual was motivated towards to doing great things by thinking of others not just themselves.

The truth is when you start to eat better, exercise more often, rest and manage your stress levels it is not just you that receives the benefits. You become a better mother, father, daughter, you are more productive at work and in general a greater role model for those around you. Research suggests that in most cases human beings will do more for others than they will for themselves.

So next time you are thinking about stopping by and grabbing some takeaway or reaching for that extra chocolate biscuit instead of relying on your own motivation ask yourself is this the kind of person that I want to be for my loved ones. I know of clients who have even taken this a step further and have written themselves a little note that they look at each time before they eat something. The note reminds them of what is important to them and can provide great motivation. So stop making it all about you, remember when you look after yourself everyone benefits and we need you to be your best!

Dr Angus Pyke is the founder and director of What Actually Works - an online forum providing simple, proven and effective strategies for people to live a happier and healthier life. Angus is a sort after speaker and health coach to leaders of industry and Olympic gold medalists. His humor, compassion and simple message has helped to empower thousands to make change and live a more passionate, healthy and fulfilling life. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.whatactuallyworks.com.au www.facebook.com/whatactuallyworks