Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Although it is rare that all other things are equal, they can be. This is especially true if there is only one person involved and that one person tries hard.

It is difficult to keep all other things equal. The goal is to change just one thing, and observe what happens in an endeavor. But I can’t change just one thing when there are many people involved. Those other persons won’t freeze their lives for me so I can perform an experiment no matter how wonderful the experiment. And really, those people can’t freeze their lives.

The situation is different when only one person is involved—me. I can keep almost all other things equal. The key is that I try hard, really hard.

Consider losing weight. This is a pretty good example to consider as most people would like to weigh less. At least most people would be healthier if they lost weight.

Here is a weight-loss procedure:

1. Eat less
2. Keep other things in your life equal

Many people can do step 1. The trouble is in trying to do step 2 while doing step 1. Exercise just as much. Sleep just as much. Don’t change the type of food you eat, e.g., substitute ice cream for salad.

It is possible to keep all other things equal. It isn’t fun, and that is often the trouble.