Why You Don’t Follow Through on Your Health Goals — and How to Fix It

In this episode of The Art of Manliness podcast, Brett McKay interviews behavioral psychologist Amantha Imber, author of "The Health Habit," about using behavioral psychology to establish and maintain healthy habits. Imber introduces four "habit hijackers"—motivational, relational, environmental, and cognitive barriers—that prevent people from achieving their health goals and offers practical, research-backed tactics to overcome each one. The discussion covers strategies such as temptation bundling, question-powered self-talk, public pledges, environmental modifications, and the use of "don't" statements. Specific health habits are explored, including sleep restriction, achieving 7,500 steps a day, incorporating VILPA (Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity), and taking a walk after meals to stabilize blood glucose levels.