On this episode… I discuss the pros and cons of using a streak when building new habits in solving Type 2 diabetes. As part of my Week in Review, I share a typical week at home. I also provide an update on my progress using Mounjaro, and review Type 2 Diabetes news articles.

Links from the show:

NEWS

How to Decide if Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) Is the Right Type 2 Diabetes Drug for You

4 ways to improve patient uptake on diabetes prevention

World-first human trial: Experimental hookworm infection led to improvements in type 2 diabetes patients

Call for trial to see if kombucha could help type 2 diabetes patients

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Click here to access the full episode transcript

Pros and Cons of Using a Streak when Building New Habits

A streak commonly refers to a consecutive or uninterrupted series of days in which a specific action or habit is performed or maintained. It is often used as a measure of consistency and progress towards a goal. For example, if someone is trying to exercise every day, a streak would represent the number of consecutive days they have successfully completed their exercise routine without missing a day. Streaks can be tracked for various habits or activities, such as reading, practicing a skill, meditating, or any other behavior that one wants to reinforce through consistent repetition.

Committing to a streak in changing habits can have numerous benefits:

1. Building momentum: When you commit to a streak, you create a positive cycle of consistency. Each day you maintain the streak, you reinforce your commitment and motivation, making it easier to continue on your path of habit change.

2. Developing discipline: Consistently practicing a habit requires discipline, and committing to a streak helps you cultivate this important trait. As you stay committed to your streak, you strengthen your self-control and willpower, making it easier to stick to your habits in the long run.

3. Creating new neural pathways: By repeating a behavior consistently, you begin to create new neural pathways in your brain. Over time, these pathways become stronger, making it easier for your brain to default to the desired habit rather than relying on old, unhelpful patterns.

4. Boosting confidence: Successfully maintaining a streak can boost your confidence and self-belief. Each day you accomplish your habit, you prove to yourself that you have the ability to change and improve. This sense of achievement can be incredibly empowering and motivate you to continue pushing forward.

5. Encouraging long-term commitment: A streak can serve as a reminder of your commitment to change. When you see your streak growing, it reminds you of the progress you’ve made, making it less likely for you to give up on your habit when faced with challenges or setbacks.

Remember, changing habits takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself. Celebrate each day you maintain your streak and use it as a source of motivation to keep going. With dedication and consistency, you can successfully transform your habits and achieve your goals.

While committing to a streak can have many benefits, it’s important to consider potential negative aspects as well:

1. Obsession and perfectionism: Focusing too much on maintaining a streak can lead to an unhealthy obsession or perfectionism. If you become overly fixated on not breaking the streak, it may cause unnecessary stress and anxiety, which can undermine your overall well-being.

2. Rigid mindset: A streak-focused mindset can make you inflexible and resistant to adaptability. Life is unpredictable, and there may be situations where it’s necessary to adjust or temporarily pause your habit. If you’re too focused on the streak, you might feel guilty or discouraged for not being able to maintain it, even in legitimate circumstances.

3. Ignoring the bigger picture: While a streak can be a helpful tool for habit change, it’s important not to lose sight of the larger goals or intentions behind the habit. Sometimes, fixating solely on maintaining the streak can distract you from the deeper reasons why you wanted to change the habit in the first place.

4. Fear of failure: A streak-focused approach can create a fear of breaking the streak, which may discourage you from taking risks or trying new things. Fear of failure can limit your growth and prevent you from exploring different strategies or approaches that could be beneficial in the long run.

5. Lack of flexibility and adaptation: Life is full of unexpected events and circumstances that can disrupt your routine. Focusing solely on maintaining a streak may make it challenging to adapt to these changes or be flexible with your habits. It’s important to be able to adjust your approach when needed, rather than being solely fixated on the streak.

To strike a balance, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy perspective on streaks. While they can be motivating, remember to prioritize your well-being, flexibility, and the overall purpose behind your habit change journey.

For my Mounjaro update, I’m still at the weekly 7.5 milligram dose. I’ll probably be at that 7.5 milligram dose for a while. if my A1C and my GMI are any indication of how things are going, there’s really no need to increase that dosage at all.

Very happy with the A1C control I’m getting with that Mounjaro and it’s controlling my hunger. It’s really working out well for me. So I’m pleased with the combination of the Mounjaro, my eating, and my movement.