Something as simple as the size of a plate and spoon can influence how much a person eats, according to Joseph Grenny.

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Next time you procrastinate, overeat, lose your temper, text while driving, chicken out on a tough conversation pick your sin try something new.

Dont blame yourself. Blame your environment.

The central message of the past five decades of social science research is this: We have far less control over our behavior than we think.

Now, lest you think Im about to justify criminals and go soft on personal responsibility, Im not. In fact, Im going to share with you the key to truly taking control of your life. Here it is crochet it onto a sampler, make it your laptop wallpaper, tattoo it on your forehead:

The best way to control your behavior is to take control of the things that control you.

It turns out that those who most appreciate how little control they have over their own behavior are the best equipped to change it.

Today, Ill share one illustration of this empowering idea. In future columns, Ill add others. Keep reading and youll have a complete view of all of the sources of influence that shape our choices and, therefore, a powerful way of taking control of your life.

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Insights from the Behavioral Science Guy: The fastest way to change your behavior is to change your environment