Breaking the Pattern: The 5 Principles You Need to Remodel Your Life [Hardcover]

Charles Stuart Platkin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 21, 2001

Have you ever had a sickening sense that you're reliving the same events in your life -- even having the same conversations or arguments -- again and again? Relationships, diets, jobs, or projects may begin full of hope, but somehow, they don't work out for you. And no matter how much you feel like you've changed, these new experiences or relationships end up feeling somehow ... familiar.

- Do you ever wonder why certain people achieve their goals while others do not?

- Are you searching for a way to "break out" and start leading the life you want to live?

- Do you feel like you just can't catch a break, and luck is never on your side?

- Do you find yourself wondering, "How did I get here?" but have no idea how to make the changes needed to move your life in a new direction?

In Breaking the Pattern, author Charles S. Platkin synthesizes years of research in the areas of psychology, motivation, success, and achievement into what he calls "The 5 Principles You Need to Remodel Your Life."

The basic tenets of these five principles guide readers to examine their successes and failures honestly and carefully, so they can begin to see the outline of very distinct patterns. By becoming aware of these patterns, readers are able to then analyze them, break them down, and focus on stopping the negative behaviors that have led them to failure and disappointment in the past. Readers also learn to capitalize on their positive patterns and harness them to make huge advances in both their personal and professional lives.

This revolutionary book will help you take action to change the areas of your life in which you feel stuck, frustrated, or no longer in control. Using a simple, step-by-step approach, Breaking the Pattern will help you to identify the behaviors that have imprisoned you and set you free to realize your dreams.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A useful yet fun book that could provide the push you all need to achieve lasting change." -- Shape Magazine, January 2002

"Author breaks down 5 principles necessary to transform your life...And he's not just spouting theory..." -- Dallas Morning News, January 5, 2002

"Breaking the Pattern blends cozy inspiration with a dose of military rigidity." -- The Denver Post, December 20, 2001

"Breaking the Pattern offers accessible solutions based on the latest research." -- Barbara Rolls, Ph.D., author of Volumetrics

"By seriously following Platkin's approach, anyone can break the destructive patterns of their life and achieve more than they dreamed." -- Scott W. Rasmussen, Independent Public Opinion Pollster and Broadcast Commentator - Co-Founder, ESPN

"Highly recommended to anyone wanting to achieve their dreams." -- John Foreyt, Ph.D., Director, Behavioral Medicine Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine

"You'll find Breaking the Pattern to be of tremendous value." -- Ric Edelman, author, The Truth About Money

“You'll find Breaking the Pattern to be of tremendous value.” --Ric Edelman, author, The Truth About Money

About the Author

Author Charles S. Platkin is an enthusiastic and compelling speaker who has appeared in media outlets including "The Today Show," CNN, CNBC, CBS' "The Early Show," the BBC, and 1000's of newspapers and magazines including USA Today, Los Angeles Times, and Time, as an expert in visualization and goal planning techniques.

Most recently, Platkin has applied the principles behind Breaking the Pattern toward developing a Weight Loss Behavior Modification and Counseling Program. The principles behind this online Weight Loss Program have been lauded as one of the most effective weight-loss methods available.

Mr. Platkin received his B.S. from Cornell University and received his law degree from Fordham University of Law.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Red Mill Press; First Edition edition (December 21, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971150303
• ISBN-13: 978-0971150300
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #484,301 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

CHARLES PLATKIN, Ph.D.,M.P.H., THE DIET DETECTIVE is one of the country's leading nutrition and public health advocates, whose syndicated health, nutrition and fitness column, the Diet Detective appears in more than 100 daily newspapers nationally. Platkin is also the founder of DietDetective.com, (an Everyday Health / Waterfront Media License) which offers nutrition, food, and fitness information along with a weight-loss program that provides customizable meal plans and fitness regimens that put his wellness principles into action. Platkin is a health expert and blogger featured on Everydayhealth.com, Active.com and Fitnessmagazine.com. Additionally, Platkin is an assistant professor (visiting) at the CUNY School of Public Health at Hunter College in New York City.

Platkin has been quoted as a health expert in thousands of publications, including USA Today, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, Oprah, Time, Newsweek, Ladies Home Journal, Men's Health, Shape, Self and Fitness. He has also appeared on NBC's The Today Show, ABC News Nightline, National Public Radio, CNN, CNBC, CBS's The Early Show, the BBC, and others. Platkin was the host of WE tv's series, I Want To Save Your Life.

He is a member of the American Society for Nutritional Sciences, the American Obesity Association, Society for Public Health Education, Society for Nutrition Education, The American Public Health Association, Sigma Xi (Scientific Research Society), the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health and the American Council on Exercise. He received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, a law degree from Fordham University, a Master of Public Health from Florida International University, and a Ph.D. in Public Health from Florida International University. He is also an ACE certified personal trainer.

Platkin is the author of five books. His first book, "Breaking the Pattern" was a bestseller in hardcover; it has been used by addiction clinics to assist patients with resolving drug and alcohol-related issues and more than 20 universities around the country as a text to teach behavioral change techniques to nutrition and dietetic counseling students. His latest books are The Diet Detective's Count Down (Simon and Schuster, 2007) and The Diet Detective's Calorie Bargain Bible (Simon and Schuster, 2008). Currently, he is working on his sixth book called The Diet Detective's All American Diet to be published by Rodale (www.Rodale.com) in January 2012.

More Information:
Diet Detective Information: http://iwellsolutions.com/platkin/platkinreel.mov
Diet Detective TV Show Trailer: http://iwellsolutions.com/platkin/DietDetectiveTrailer.php.htm
Diet Detective Featured on ABC News Nightline: http://iwellsolutions.com/platkin/Nightline.php.htm
Diet Detective on Mike and Juliet: http://iwellsolutions.com/platkin/mikeandjuliet.php.htm
Diet Detective on Rachel Ray: http://iwellsolutions.com/platkin/rachelray.php.htm
Meet the Diet Detective: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid271548328?bctid=19896554001
Diet Detective on Dr. Oz Show: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/diet-detective-low-calorie-spaghetti-and-meatballs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Creating a More Fulfilling Life, September 3, 2003

By 

Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Breaking the Pattern: The 5 Principles You Need to Remodel Your Life (Hardcover)

"I can assure you that the successful people in your life who you admire apply many, or all, of the techniques described in this book. Success is no accident, nor is it unconscious. People who achieve their goals are almost always acutely aware of what directions they take in reaching their destinations." ~Charles Stuart Platkin

If you are tired of spinning in the same circular conversations, walking the same paths to the same unfulfilling destinations or can't seem to implement strategies to reach your goals, "Breaking the Pattern" might encourage you to remodel your life.

Charles Stuart Platkin has discovered five basic principles you can apply to your life in order to make changes, reach your dreams and finally live the ideal life of your choosing. He used the principles in this book to change his own life.

What started as a letter to a friend turned into self-reflection and through writing, Charles started to think more clearly. Through further interviews and discussions with friends and professionals the author started to find real answers:

1. What's a Pattern and How Do I Know What Mine Are? - A study of self-sabotaging and self-paralyzing behavior. Are you choosing the easy path of substance abuse, short cuts or just making bad choices and finding someone else to blame? What are your triggers?

2. Self-Evaluation and Reflection Workshop - A variety of exercises where you answer questions and then analyze the answers. One of the most important sections in this chapter is "Asking the Right Questions."

3. Failure Is an Asset Waiting to Be Discovered - Successful people seem to see rejection and failure as a reminder that they are still on the path towards their goals. Sometimes just having the goal and continuing towards that goal, no matter what, is a formula for success. The author explains how you can overcome fear and move beyond failure.

4. Taking Responsibility Leads to Freedom - An interesting look at blame, being a victim, making excuses, avoiding responsibility and being the martyr. A discussion of why many people surrender their responsibility to a higher power.

5. What Makes a Goal a Goal? - An interesting section on intrinsic rewards.

6. If You Can See It,It Can Happen - Do you have the discipline it takes to reach your goals? Ideas on how to set realistic goals and overcome obstacles in your way. There is a place to write down your ideas for short and long-term goals.

7. Making Change Happen and Transforming Your Life -What are your values? Are you open to possibility? How do you find the positive patterns?

8. Tactics and Strategies for Changing Your Life -In the final chapter, the author explains how our "internal commentary" can change our lives.

I loved all the inspirational quotes and stories, the positive and healing environment this book provides, and the idea that short-term failure is no excuse not to achieve long-term success.

Do you feel imprisoned by the past? Do you desire a more fulfilling future? "Breaking the Pattern" will help to set you free from the disappointments of the past so you can reach for a more positive future.

"Breaking the Pattern" is a well-written and well-organized collection of empowering ideas to help you modify your own behavior so you can finally leave failure in the dust. This is a book to help you reach your personal, relationship and career goals. It is perhaps one of the most important books you will ever read if you want to break free from destructive patterns of behavior.

~The Rebecca Review

85 of 97 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breaking the Pattern was more than I bargained for..., February 4, 2002

By 

"benjyk2" (West Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Breaking the Pattern: The 5 Principles You Need to Remodel Your Life (Hardcover)

Breaking the Pattern held an added surprise in the sense that while I was prepared for improvements in my approach to professional and personal issues, I was not as prepared for a realization.

By applying the exercises in Breaking the Pattern to my professional life and personal life, the similarities that emerged were significant. The lasting effect beyond the book's positive exercises was the ongoing connections I now see between my work life and personal life.

Also, while I am not usually a fan of "workbooks," the exercises in Breaking the Pattern were well constructed and communicated in a way that made it possible for me to get the full benefit from them.

In general, Breaking the Pattern surpassed my expectations and gave me a stronger foothold in my professional life and personal life.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why I Loved This Book, January 11, 2002

By 

Mandy (Oldsmar, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Breaking the Pattern: The 5 Principles You Need to Remodel Your Life (Hardcover)

I just finished reading "Breaking the Pattern" by Charles Stuart Platkin, and I immediately felt the need to write about it. Lately, I've been feeling really down. I've had a little bad luck when it comes to relationships-- okay, so my boyfriend dumped me for our campus paper's sex columnist. In addition to that, I haven't gotten into any of the grad schools I've wanted to because I get nervous in interviews, and my parents just announced to me that they were moving to New Zealand to be alone and would appreciate it if I only visited them on holidays. So, as you can see, it hasn't been an easy year for me.
When I was in kindergarten, I was always told that I could do or be anything, and somewhere in between high school and college, everyone told me it was time to start getting real, and I lost the belief that my life could be everything I want it to be. I began to think I just should settle for what I could get.
Well, Platkin taught me to get S.M.A.R.T. After reading this book, I began to believe again that I could have the life I dreamed of...and not only did it make me believe it. It taught me how to actually achieve it. Also, despite all the bad things that happened to me this year, Platkin gave me a new perspective on them. This book helped me find a little piece of me that I thought died a long time ago-- the piece of me that believed in me and knew I could do anything I put my heart to. I know I'm going to get past all these setbacks from this past year and move on now thanks to Platkin. Before this book, I just wanted to sit around and eat and feel sorry for myself. After reading this book, I think I'm finally ready to get back up, dust myself off, and take on the world.