What does poverty have in common with obesity? Both are conditions—states of being—that result from repeated behaviors over time—patterns of doing.

I have received feedback that my people skills are weak and that I am too direct, and I have been working to improve my performance in this area. I thought I had closed the performance gap, but based on feedback I’ve received, I think the behavior may still be present. Do you have any suggestions on how I might improve my people skills?

My sibling and his family are heading for a serious debt problem and possibly bankruptcy. They are trying to cut expenses here and there but still can’t make ends meet. At the end of the day, their monthly expenses add up to more than they make.

Visit the Crucial Skills blog to read David Maxfield’s answer to this question: How can I rid myself of watching TV mindlessly for long hours?

Visit the Crucial Skills blog to read Ron McMillan’s response to this question: How do I know if my change plan is good, or if I need to change it?

Visit the Crucial Skills blog to read Joseph Grenny’s response to this question: How can I get decision makers to take my ideas and input into consideration?

Renowned behavioral scientist and bestselling author, Brian Wansink, observed hundreds of people at buffets and uncovered several things skinny people do differently than heavy people when facing a plethora of food. Visit the Crucial Skills blog to learn how to put his research into practice.

Visit the Crucial Skills blog to read Al Switzler’s answer to this question: What’s the best way to let management know that I’m interested in branching out?

Visit the Crucial Skills blog to read Joseph Grenny’s response to this question: In my organization, feedback is often quickly dismissed, so how can I approach leadership so that they’ll listen?

Visit the Crucial Skills blog to learn more about the VitalSmarts Influencer Institute and how you can leave the world a little better than you found it.