Beating Obesity with Jonathan Boulware
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In this powerful episode of Linda's Corner, host Linda Bjork welcomes Jonathan Boulware, a behavioral change specialist and founder of You Take Control of It, who shares his deeply personal journey of losing his mother to obesity-related complications in 2014. Jonathan recounts how her final words—'My body is winning this battle'—sparked a mission to understand why people struggle to change despite knowing it could save their lives. He reveals that obesity is not a failure of willpower but a complex interplay of automatic habits, justification behaviors, and emotional triggers. Jonathan emphasizes that lasting change begins not with drastic diets or intense workouts, but with self-forgiveness, self-compassion, and a shift in identity. He introduces his 'four, three, two' framework: setting goals across four life areas (movement, nutrition, mental resolve, organization), committing to a three-month timeline to build patience, and evaluating progress every two weeks through non-scale victories. The episode underscores that change becomes sustainable when it’s rooted in self-worth, not fear, and that joy can be found in the journey long before reaching the final goal. Jonathan’s story is a testament to how love for family can fuel transformation, and how healing begins with treating oneself with the same kindness we’d offer a best friend.
Obesity is not a lack of willpower—it’s driven by automatic habits and mental justification patterns.
Self-forgiveness and self-compassion are more powerful than guilt in sustaining long-term behavior change.
Start where you are: identify your current habits, your 'why,' and your starting point before setting goals.
Use the 'four, three, two' framework: four life areas to improve, three months to commit, and bi-weekly progress checks.
You don’t need 100% belief to begin—just 10% openness to try is enough to start building confidence.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
A Mother’s Final Words and a Life-Changing Question
“My body is winning this battle. Please continue to fight, but I'm no longer being able to do this.”
The Real Enemy: Habits and Justification
“We prefer a familiar hell than an unfamiliar heaven.”
The Four, Three, Two Framework for Sustainable Change
“You don't need 100% belief to begin—just 10% openness to try is enough.”
Self-Love as the Foundation of Transformation
Jonathan emphasizes that true change starts with self-compassion. He shares how forgiving himself and treating himself like a best friend unlocked his ability to sustain healthy habits, even during setbacks.
Reclaiming Time and Building a Health-First Identity
Jonathan discusses how organization and time management are critical to success. He encourages listeners to reclaim lost time (like screen scrolling) and to reframe health as the number one priority—not selfish, but essential for being present for others.
“My body is winning this battle. Please continue to fight, but I'm no longer being able to do this.”
“Declaring your health the number one priority is not selfish—it’s the most unselfish act you can do for your loved ones.”
“You can enjoy every step of the way and just feel good about yourself long before you get there.”
Host
Guest
obesity
other
Jonathan Boulware
person
Linda Bjork
person
You Take Control of It
organization
HealingBreathWorkDetox.com
product
congestive heart failure
other
HopeForHealingFoundation.org
product
Crushed
book
You Got This
book
Jane Velez Mitchell
person
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