To make change a way of life, for about six months we must eat, drink and sleep the change we have decided to make. Intensity and passion are required to make this change a part of who we are, otherwise there is danger of slipping back. For example, if someone decides to stop smoking, it takes 48 months before the temptation finally bottoms out. It doesn't hit zero for about five years, then the smoker is home free. After five years of continuos abstinence the relapse rate goes down to seven percent.
People enthusiastically adopt a diet.
The weight begins to fall off, excitement builds and in four to six months the weight loss stops and six months later its all back on again. When we lose sight of the benefits we think that the price we have to pay for the change is too steep. Our original motivation for the change was too shallow or superficial. The crisis that precipitated the change has past. Many people over-estimate the strength of their personal resolve.