Just 21 days to a more truthful politician - #lakewoodnews

Conventional wisdom holds that it takes 21 days to form a habit, whether it's going to the gym, changing your bedtime routine or finding five minutes a day to meditate. If we practice new behavior for 21 days, it becomes habitual ... something that is done regularly or repeatedly.

I recently undertook a 21-day journey to lower my cholesterol, following strict proportions of healthy fats, carbs and protein. It worked --; my numbers dropped 47 points in just three months. The other good news is that, by practicing good nutrition, I've gained new habits I can use for a lifetime.

I also learned that habits are easy to fall back on - that's why we rely on them so much. What's become ingrained in us requires little conscious thought, and, once we've formed them, our habits - for good or ill - have predictable outcomes.

Lowering my cholesterol with a healthy diet is an example of a good outcome. Hunting for my keys every morning because I have a habit of dropping them just anywhere when I walk in the door after work is an example of a less-than-desirable, but still completely predictable, outcome.

Watching Donald Trump these past few months - first with amusement, then with amazement, anger, fear and now dread - I recognize that he relies on habits he has formed over the years. Calling people names (or worse) when they disagree with him. Denigrating entire religions, races and genders. Inciting violence with veiled references to cheating, riots and vigilantes. Hiding behind bankruptcies and tax returns that he won't reveal or discuss.

Trump lies and pretends he's not. Or perhaps he doesn't even know that he is, such as when he cited nonexistent news footage of nonexistent Muslim crowds cheering as the Twin Towers came down. He considers himself the center of the universe, boasting of his sexual prowess and conquests, and once compared his fears of STDs in his dating life to fighting in the Vietnam War.

This type of behavior comes so easily on the campaign trail because it's habitual for this megalomaniacal bully who just so happens to be seeking the highest office in the land. It's easy because it's a habit, and effective because Trump knows exactly what the outcomes will be.

There are only two months until the Republican National Convention, where Trump will likely emerge as the presidential nominee (hence, my dread). Then he would have about 120 days until the general election. In that time, Mr. Trump, surely you can find 21 days in which to develop habits that befit our Commander in Chief.

It's probably too much to ask that, in this short amount of time, you develop tolerance, empathy and thoughtful and considered policies. So if you can gain only one habit, here it is:

Stick to the facts. The very Establishment politicians you rail against have a far better grasp of reality than you do.

Try talking regularly and repeatedly only about that which can be proved as truth, on topics relevant to more of the American people than just your supporters. Of course, then you won't have much to say, which, in my opinion, would be the most desirable outcome.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Just-21-days-to-a-more-truthful-politician,213894?branding=15