Before you read this as posted -   Let me issue an apology -  The title of this BLOG eviently belongs to me for being a “Fat Head” (which is nice compared to what some have said today)

It was like one of those times I said something to my wife Rebecca and it came out wrong. You know when you wish you hadn’t said something because it came out differently than you intended.   I am sorry for it - please accept my apologies. 

I have to say that I have gotten some pretty strong e-mails about this blog.  The majority of them positive but some very negative and this because I obviously was not clear enough about  my context and intent.  So let me attempt once more to clarify - IT IS NOT my intent to offer commentary on health, fitness or fatness - the news and media outlets are doing plenty of that for us all. 

IT IS or WAS my intent  to point out the positives in their research.  Research that was, in my opinion, not even necessary.  WHY?  Because it told us what we already know - which is that we are influenced by our peers!!  I am not a proponent of nature over nurture - I believe in personal accountability and that means I believe we all have a CHOICE.  So if I choose to hang around a bunch of Skateboarders - I am not doomed to become one because of association. (Not that there is anything wrong with skateboarders)

Still common sense tells us - and every parent knows - that if your teenager is hanging out with a group of kids who smoke and drink - there is a HIGHLY increased probability that they will too!  That is what I was hoping to communicate with today’s T4D today.   My point was that the article being about obesity was not relevant - it could be about anything….

In the context of corporate culture - if we want a more positive and powerful culture in the workplace then we need to become a more powerful and positive peer group.  The article again references the “positive power of peers” and the more effective way to change behavior.  I didn’t do the research, I didn’t write the article, this has been on every news station and in every newspaper for the past 2 weeks. 

Anyway - My apologies for those who it may have offended. 

Today’s T4D follows

Most have heard the news blips of the past few weeks telling of the research suggesting that hanging around Obese increases your chance of weight gain.  I’ve posted a reprint of the World News piece on my Blog for a most intersting full review.  It’s titled “Big” friends a “Big” problem?  I highlighted some of the text for emphasis of what I thought were some key points. 

No, I am not a social spokesperson for health and fitness - but I am a student of personal and social behavior.  I remember someone telling me that we are constantly becoming an average of the five people we spend the most time with.  I think that the research referenced in the article suggests something much more disconcerting because it says that spouses and family play a secondary role of influence to friends!

If there research has any merit, and I believe that it does…then the it would also hold true concerning hanging around stupid friends, victim minded people, bitter people, negative people, spiteful and dishonest people - etc etc.

Jim Rohn says, be careful who you hang around with because they influence your thinking - and you don’t want stinkin thinking”  (I paraphrased that)  I was taught and try to teach my children… “be a friend to everyone, but choose your best friends wisely.” 

 Kirk Out