The What the Hell Effect in Advance

New Year’s Day is fast approaching, and registration for BLE’s new course “Reboot Rezoom” opens in two days. A lot of folks in BLE Land are noticing that their Saboteurs are trying to convince them to eat a ton of food NOW because they’ll be restarting LATER. Perhaps we should call this the “What the Hell Effect in Advance,” and this VLOG is all about it.

Comments

  1. Michael

    I know you’re already happily married, but can I add my name to a waitlist? 🙂

    Reply ·
    1. Fruity Dew

      Michael, that is the sweetest comment EVER! ❤️

      Reply ·
  2. Judy

    Yup, the What the Hell Effect is exactly where I am in! Why do we give in and let our brain win??? This program works, I know it does. I just wish it was as easy as turning a light switch off when those thoughts try to take over!

    Reply ·
  3. Ariann Thomas

    You are great. This is the perfect video for this time of year. I truly wasn’t thinking of breaking my bright lines but I certainly know that at one time in my life this would have been exactly what I would have thought. Spot on!!!

    Reply ·
  4. Helen Roberts Spingola

    A real “steady at the wheel” salvo! Much needed and much valued!

    Reply ·
  5. Katherine Marine

    I am SO GLAD you did this vlog!! I was really annoyed thinking you were sending people to the WTH effect until you did this!! So glad you clarified!

    Reply ·
  6. Max

    I have been doing BLE for three years and have been very successful. I look forward to these videos each week and nearly always find value in them. I must say, I think this video and the upcoming reboot/rezoom course is a very, very unfortunate detour from the principles and values presented in BLE – as I understand [and love] them. I wish I had missed this video and the video series announcing the upcoming course.

    Reply ·
    1. Susan Peirce Thompson, PhD

      Hi Max,
      Can you elaborate on your thoughts and feelings?
      In what way does this feel like a detour?
      If you had written that the interpretation that breaking one’s lines is fine and typical because you can always “Rezoom” felt like a detour, I would have understood…but I thought this VLOG cleared that up. Since I hear you loud and clear saying that the video series *AND* this VLOG feel like a detour from BLE principles and values, I have to admit I feel like I’m missing something. To me this VLOG feels like a pretty stereotypical BLE message.
      I have to admit I’m super curious.
      I hope you see my comment because I’d love to hear your thoughts.
      With respect and gratitude,
      Susan

      Reply ·
  7. Denise F

    So that is a beautiful reframe. I have had very big struggle this season and realized watching the third video tonight that I was invested in identifying with my family this holiday more than my BLE family. I need to go make amends to my Gideon Group!
    it is a strong challenge to be pristine in this program when you know that you can get “away” with breaking a line here and there and not tumble down the steep slope. The worst that happens to me is a stomach ache. I have already finished with my experiments and rezoomed. So happy to be back in the clear bright lines and feeling better! keep reminding us daily why we do this until we remember automatically . you are our lifeline! Lots of Love!

    Reply ·
  8. Diane Howard

    This is PERFECT for this time of year! I have had the “What the hell” effect in advance in past years and am so thankful that it hasn’t reared it’s ugly head in my BLE journey (but I’m not so naive to think it won’t happen someday). Thanks Susan — you always know what to say.

    Reply ·
  9. Mary White

    BEST. VIDEO. EVER.

    Perfect explanation. I have so been waiting for you to say this. Cannot wait to deepen my program by taking the Reboot/Rezoom course.
    After about 10 yrs of success in OA, I did a slow motion relapse. Stopped going to meetings. Stopped committing my food/talking to my sponsor, stopped something else, then something else and over a 4 yr time frame I lost my abstinence from S and F. I call it my Slow Motion Relapse. I didn’t see the canary in my coal mine gasping for air until it fell dead off its perch. The food IS the last to go. I know because I lived it. I know what you say is true.
    190+ days of BLE and weighing my best weight ever and on maintenance. So grateful. Want to make my coal mine canary my new best friend.

    Reply ·
    1. Susan Peirce Thompson, PhD

      BOOM!
      Mary, you nailed it.
      That canary in the coal mine is SUCH a friend. That little birdie tells us we’re in trouble…AND tells us where our next best avenue of growth is…and ultimately bliss.
      I so appreciate you.
      Keep rockin’ it, girl!
      xo
      S

      Reply ·
    2. Evelyn Stapp

      Thank you for sharing your experience here !

      Reply ·
  10. Claudia lima

    Bravo 👏 👏👏👏. Love it when you do the “straight talk”! I totally get where you’ve been going with the these videos and never once thought about giving me permission to eat off plan. Just need to tighten up my bright lines and I get that’s the goal of the new rezoom mission!

    Reply ·
  11. Teri

    Oh My Goodness. Do you have a nanobot on a wall in my house?? I have had these EXACT thoughts since the Reboot Rezoom 2019 started. Excellent explanation to clear up the confusion in my head around reboot rezoom. My slippery slope DID begin with ” I’m embarrassed to admit these thoughts on FB”, “no time to plan tomorrow’s food” ,”too tired to complete Nightly Checklist or come up with a gratitude”. I never in a million years would have seen the connection between letting habits slide and the eventual bite of NMF for the first time since April 1, 2018. I am thankful for the lessons I learned today.

    Reply ·
  12. Ellenor Monica Martens Skymoen

    You have that theory who makes sence to me. Love it!
    Thank you❤️ I have followed “spis deg fri” for five mounth. 🙏👍💪

    Reply ·
  13. Susan Peirce Thompson, PhD

    BOOM!
    Mary, you nailed it.
    That canary in the coal mine is SUCH a friend. That little birdie tells us we’re in trouble…AND tells us where our next best avenue of growth is…and ultimately bliss.
    I so appreciate you.
    Keep rockin’ it, girl!
    xo
    S

    Reply ·
  14. Sherill

    I watched this right after the 3rd ReZoom video, and they both were very timely. After keeping my Bright Lines for a year, and making it through Christmas day, I fell off the wagon the day after. Now I understand that it was the lapse of my meditation and self-care routines during the last week that set me up for losing control of my food today. Feeding hungry house guests and dodging shrieking grandchildren may have had something to do with it! Now I get to do some problem-solving and figure out how to take better care of myself in the midst of the chaos. Wish me luck!

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      All the best to you Sherill as you navigate your journey! We’re rooting for you! (And thinking of you with your wild and fun grandkids!) 😉

      Reply ·
  15. Sharon J Glickman

    I am glad this is not a license to eat. This is a perfect talk!!

    Perfect for today so Thank You

    Reply ·
  16. dee Ammidas

    Wow, I really felt the connectedness , it bought tears! Thank- you so much! Every time I’ve ever started a diet I have a night of last goodbye to food I love and can no longer have. Then the grief sets in and the deprivation! But not this time. I got back into my bright lines after
    Boxing Day , after controlling my food over Christmas! Something inside me has changed! I’m really starting to believe I might actually achieve this goal of my whole life!!! Tears! 😢 it won’t be easy, I’ll be at this for at least 6 months! And I’m in! Xx

    Reply ·
  17. Silvia

    Thanks, thanks, thanks! That were exactly my fears (is the Rezoom system somehow giving us permission to fail?) and this is exactly the answer and the boost I needed. The indulger/controller/isolator figures are incredibly useful for me, this approach is been a game changer, and I´m seeing it in my scale.

    Reply ·
  18. Wayne

    Hi Susan, this Vlog was exactly on point! I have been on a “perpetual what the hell effect” for years. I would always know I “intended” to start being stricter next Monday, or on the first of next month, or tomorrow, and using that as an excuse to just have one last terrible, indulgent meal. My mind and food addictions were in full control. It wasn’t until a month ago that everything finally clicked with me with a diagnosis of pre-diabetes. Who am I kidding? Pre-diabetes is just a softened version of diabetes that we know is coming if we don’t make radical food choice changes, and I mean right now! I love the way you explain things. Even when I slip a little, I know I can make an immediate course correction now and resume better choices. Thank you!

    Reply ·
  19. Heather Hudson

    I just love you Susan. You really have helped me and continue to do so. Thank you so much for everything that you do. God bless you and yours always.

    Reply ·
  20. Sarah Katzin

    Thank you for the new twists on the principles of BLE. I have just renewed my Bright Lifers membership for the second time because I realize how important my identity is. Although I have not fallen off the wagon food wise, my program has become sloppier in terms of the tools you talk about, meditation, journalling, connection on a regular basis. I had stopped writing my food down the night before and committing it, writing in my three year journal, gratitude… I think in this I also need to find the balance and “round off the edges” so that on one hand I don’t beat myself up and give up, but at the same time I work on the “actions” I can take one by one to “rezoom” before my food gets wonky!

    Reply ·
  21. Deb

    So true. I have also experienced this effect when an upcoming event makes me think I’m going to break my lines then, so why not break them now and resume after that event. Twisted. I’m so looking forward to this new course.

    Reply ·
  22. Donna Spittal

    Susan, today’s vlog is exactly what I needed to hear. I so identify with that ” childish” voice saying it is ok to eat a little NMF & then rezoom. You are absolutely correct in the idea that I must take an adult stance & say “NO” to that voice. That is not the purpose of Reboot/Rezoom. Thank you for making that so clear today.

    Reply ·
  23. Joyce

    Susan – Another great vlog! Thank you. I’ve watched the Reboot/Rezoom videos and realized that I’ve been on that wavy curve for the last 2+ years. Iced never crashed and burned, which is why I say my crystal vase is chipped and scratched, but still intact. I have seen the phenomenon of things starting to go wonky and caught myself before the food followed – once I changed my Nightly Checklist to remove some of the things that I considered that I do automatically. That lasted about 2-3 weeks until I realized EVERYTHING needs to be there, because when it’s not, sometimes I didn’t do it!

    I love hearing that even though I’m not being perfect, I’m still doing it. I really am Happy, Thin and Free – that doesn’t mean perfect, it means I’m getting the hang of following the plan and pulling myself back when I start to waver a bit and don’t go off the rails.

    I just 💝💗💖💝💗💖 this!

    Reply ·
  24. Lisa Brasero

    I did this yesterday! And I feel terrible !this what the he’ll thing is bad and it doesn’t work!

    Reply ·
  25. Linda Wilkins

    This is excellent, excellent. I noticed I wanted to postpone watching this because I KNEW it would “pull my covers” today. Thank you

    Reply ·
  26. Jo

    this vlog reminds me of how often my family asks me ‘are you allowed to eat . . . .’ and how difficult it still is, a year and 50+ pounds lighter, to respond to such mindset question. At best, I respond with ‘I can eat anything, I choose . . .’. It’s just a confirmation of the SAD mindset/conceptualization of categorical thinking –all/nothing, black/white, ‘cheating’, self-judgment ‘I was bad today’, etc., what SPT points out as the myth of perfection. Resonates with me. Thanks.

    Reply ·
  27. Suzan

    Thanks Susan. Not quite at wth but doing a mini version.Last minute house full of family I love with NMF and NMD everywhere. Cancel daily meal routine,, journaling, downtime and a taste here and there starts it, then a piece of NMF for dessert and do we have a NMF for drugs? That too. I’m telling myself they’ll be gone tomorrow and I’ll hit the couch for the day and rezoom. I don’t do well with living in my space indulgers that I love. This is still my biggest trigger that I pray another year of BLE will heal.

    Reply ·
  28. Jackie Stroka

    hi Susan, The law of effect principle developed by Edward Thorndike suggested that responses closely followed by satisfaction will become firmly attached to the situation and, therefore, more likely to reoccur when the situation is repeated. Affect is a concept used in psychology to describe the experience of feeling or emotion. The term affect takes on a different meaning in other fields. In psychology, affect mediates an organism’s interaction with stimuli. So brilliant to acknowledge this interplay in the Repeat/Resume principle of Bright Line Eating! BRAVO!

    Reply ·
  29. Molly

    Good vlog this week! Personal growth of any type requires a maturity to take responsibility for ones own decisions and actions, let go of the inner victim, and rest in the Authentic Self. I’ve been finding it very interesting there are those that are interpreting the Rb/RZ videos (or GGs) as invitation to break their lines until XYZ point in time. I’ve found the support and coaching in BLE is beyond expectation and I’m sure this new course will delivery valuable structure for those who are struggling. XO

    Reply ·
  30. Debbie Abshire

    Love this VLOG!! You make so much sense about not “prepping” for THE DAY I plan to start AGAIN, but to accept the challenge and start NOW. Thanks Susan!! You’re so inspiring!

    Reply ·
  31. Alan Faber

    I understand that the Reboot/Rezoom course builds on the BLE concepts. I was wondering, does the Reboot/Rezoom course replace the BLE Bootcamp, or is it meant to be taken after completing the bootcamp?

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Great question, Alan! Boot Camp is for anyone who is brand new to Bright Line Eating. It lays the foundation for BLE and builds a strong program. Reboot Rezoom is for anyone who has lived Bright Line Eating, either through Boot Camp or having read the book. <3

      Reply ·
  32. Patti Cutler

    I don’t intend to use this forum to preach, but the analogy that popped into my head as I was listening to your video was so strong, I just had to share. For those of us who are Christian’s, we know that Jesus Christ died for our sins and that no matter what we have done in our past or what we might do in the future, we know we will be forgiven! BUT this does not give us license to say we are going to go sin today because we know we will be forgiven. Quite the opposite..we live our lives the best we can, but when we slip up, we know we don’t have to worry. This analogy is the same you are trying to make with our food. There will be times when we make mistakes, but as long as we know we can rezoom and get back on track, then hopefully we won’t stay on the downward spiral.
    Thanks for all these new videos. They have really hit home for me.

    Reply ·
  33. Karen

    I don’t know how you get into my brain and know how I am thinking and see how I am behaving. I started January 2017 and only recently had the What The Hell feeling and that was before the Reboot/Rezoom videos came out. I am excited about signing up for the course. Love love love you Susan Pierce Thompson!

    Reply ·
  34. Stephanie

    Several lady friends and I had lunch at Olive Garden. One of them weighs 400 pounds and was scheduled for bariatric surgery. She ordered the crappiest food they had.
    The next day I met her at church but she had to leave because she did not feel well. She found out her blood pressure was elevated. The next time I talked to her, I asked
    why did she order what she did. She told me ” I was having my binge eat before I cannot do it anymore” Like an alcoholic goes on a binge before they go into rehab.
    She told the surgeon the same thing. The surgery was cancelled and my friend was sent back to counseling. Her surgeon wants her patients to succeed and she told her she was not ready.
    Was her justification for ordering nutritionally lacking food an example of the”What the Hell Effect”

    Reply ·
    1. Susan Peirce Thompson

      Not the “What the Hell Effect,” but the “What the Hell Effect in Advance” like I talk about in this video. Yes.

      Reply ·
      1. Stephanie

        Got it It was planned out. No doubt about it.

        Reply ·
  35. Carmen Young

    Get em’’ Susan! Tell em’ — uh uh uhhhh that’s not how we roll!

    Reply ·
  36. Sharon

    Perfection is an impossible standard and unattainable goal. As such, if that is the goal, it is the same as having no goal at all.

    Reply ·
  37. Lorraine Hopgood

    OMG. You are talking to me! I plan starting BC on Saturday so I have been eating everything that I know I will not eat ever again. I actually feel sick to my stomach for eating so much sugar today. I need to wrap my head around that this is a lifestyle change and not a diet. I need BLE to save me! HELP me do this.

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      We are here for you Lorraine! How about starting now? Why not today? Why not the very next meal you eat? Just some thoughts for you to consider. We understand the emotions and fear that goes into this and look forward to supporting you in your boot camp. <3

      Reply ·
  38. Sharon Van Doran

    Thanks so much Susan. You are awesome. This is definitely coming out at the best time. Love your Honestly and how real you are. Sending Much Love. Sharon.

    Reply ·
  39. BArbara Barton

    I got it!!! The powerful message after hearing our first three videos has been an eye-opener, a heart-wrencher, a new inspiration and an acceptance of myself as a vulnerable human being. thank you, Ms.Susan. You MUST continue to inspire our world!!

    Reply ·
  40. Cathy Waters

    I love this vlog! Life is all about growing up! We go through phases where we want what we want now! We want someone else to be responsible for our behavior. Reboot Rezoom is giving us the tools to take responsibility for ourselves, helping us to become more and more self aware. Permission to be human doesn’t have to be about huge events, it’s about awareness of the little glitches and stopping them before they manifest into anything more difficult to redeem.
    Thanks for helping us continue to grow up, SPT!💖🙏😎

    Reply ·
  41. Cynde Herman

    Who knew? I thought I was the only one thinking…. if I can rezoom, why not go off and eat (in spite of being in automaticity for 1.5 years). How goofy is that? Thanks for this message to help me stay on track, honest, and clear about my identity, my commitment, and my freedom!

    Reply ·
  42. Dale

    Oh Susan, this is all soooo hard! You give language and clarity to all the very painful and difficult parts of this addiction. Overcoming??? Will I ever make it? Well tell you one thing, i’m not putting NMF any where near my mouth tomorrow🙄😊🥰. Thanks again for sharing your hard earned wisdom! DW

    Reply ·
  43. Patty

    I dont like the name of the course, it implies we’ve broken our food lines. That’s what ‘rezoom’ has always meant in BLELand. I understand what the course is about but the name just doesn’t fit. Curious to see what the structure if the program will be – what are we getting for the price., how long will it be, etc. If there will be a lot of people in it that are truly rezoning with the food, concerned it may be triggering.

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Patty! As you heard Susan explain, we are all in various levels of rezooming and it doesn’t always mean a break in one of the 4 Bright Lines. It may mean something much smaller and allowing some of those small and seemingly simple things to slip can lead to larger breaks, which is what we certainly want to avoid.

      The course will be about 2 1/2 months long and will include tremendous online support, video modules, coaching calls, and more. Those who have no experience previously with BLE are encouraged to enroll in Boot Camp. Those who have a history of Bright Line Eating (Boot Camp or have read the book a couple of times) are encouraged to enroll in Reboot Rezoom. Sure hope that helps, Patty!

      All the best to you! <3

      Reply ·
  44. Catriona

    Hi Susan, I’m glad you explained the rezoom theory, more clearly, as I listened to your new vlog series, and my immediate thought was “ what the hell, I’ll be better tomorrow’ Susan thinks this is ok. I’m going through a revamping of many parts of my life, I’m going to be 69 this year, and will be celebrating my 50th wedding anniversary ( very happy 50 years} in 2019, and I’ve been in a bit of a slump, regarding my age, and how I’ve let my best years slip away, as far as my weight has become my biggest chain around my body, similarly like Jacob Marley’s ghost, in A Christmas Carol, but I’m determined to shed this weight and live my best life, day by day. Thank you for this inspiring vlog

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Congratulations on 50 happy years, Catriona! We wish you the absolute best in 2019 as you consider your own journey. We admire your desire to give yourself the best life and best days possible. <3

      Reply ·
  45. Barb

    Hi Susan, I just want to thank you for all of the tools you’ve shared through the BLE program! I never felt like I was doing BLE 100% perfectly until you described cycling in relation to Reboot/Rezoom. That describes how I’ve managed to apply your insights to overcome decades of disordered eating. Talk about freedom! I am in for life–even if my focus has been different. Please know you’re making a difference in so many ways!

    Reply ·
  46. Jeni

    Oh my gosh!!! This was totally just me. I as a small scoop of gelato and a piece of bread today knowing I’m starting this weekend. You nailed it. Thank you for this message.

    Reply ·
  47. Stacy

    I was one of those people! Thank you!

    Reply ·
  48. Deb Gollin

    Great message. Just what I needed to hear. So much good stuff to hang onto. Thanks❗️

    Reply ·
  49. Lynne

    I love this! As someone who has constantly done the what the hell I may as well stuff my face until I restart again, its nice to find out that this is not just me being a loser. Thank you for the advice of talking to the child within and nurturing her through the struggle instead of trying to banish her, which never helps. I love you Susan, you are a wonderful human.Hi

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Thank you for your kindness, Lynne. We appreciate you and are so happy this resonated with you. All the best! xo

      Reply ·
  50. Robyn Ann Shapiro

    Loved this vlog. The one word that spoke to me is “diet mentality” for those of us who have slipped off of the program. this phrase spoke to me. Thank you, thank you for all of your insite.

    Reply ·
  51. Kathy Lehman

    Wow, I totally saw that graph on how hard it is to extinguish a habit after you fall off your lines randomly as a huge warning NOT to break my lines! To definitely work on strengthening my program before getting to that point, building some more good habits around my program. But I know some people have been triggered by all the rezoom talk, and I appreciate this clarification on their behalf, and I thank you for doing an intense program that will especially help my friends who are on that rezooming cycle, that will help them extinguish those bad eating habits more thoroughly!

    Reply ·
  52. Denise S.

    The psychology of dieting is so fascinating. Who do we think we are “pulling one over on” when we eat NMF before a rezoom? SPT? The meal plan? Who or what do we rebel against when act like petulant children in this way?? I truly appreciate your NOT talking down to us and instead helping us call upon our highest selves. What is in our best interest? Why rebel? Can we embrace the surrender needed amidst addiction? Thank you so much for being you and sharing your insight with the world.

    Reply ·
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