Don't Go It Alone – from the book The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran
"There was a fascinating article in fast company in May 2005 entitled “Change or Die,” that presented studies conducted with patients who had severe medical conditions that required lifestyle changes in order to live. The sad fact was that after only 12 months, 90% of the patients had reverted back to their old lifestyles, virtually guaranteeing an impending death. Faced with imminent threat of death, an overwhelming majority of people still failed consistently to make more productive choices.
There was a group that had a much higher success rate - almost seven times greater. These patients were involved in peer support sessions, and they had a success rate of nearly 80%. The groups not involved in peer support had a 10% success rate. These statistics remind me of what George Shinn the owner of the Charlotte Hornets basketball team once said “There is no such thing as a self-made man. You will reach your goals only with the help of others”. The groups involved in peer support met on a regular basis and discussed their progress, struggles, and challenges. By encouraging one another, they generally stayed on track. The lesson is that if you are implementing change, don't go it alone. Your chances of success are seven times greater if you employ peer support."