ROCK thru and outsmart the squirrel in you
by Lee Havenga | January 12, 2023
If a squirrel is snatching seed from our birdfeeder, we don’t try to change its natural desire to collect food. Instead, we analyze the problem and find a solution. We may protect the birdfeeder with wire too small for it to enter. Science tells us that this approach brings us success when trying to change our behaviors. When we recognize our natural tendencies to be impulsive, distracted, and avoidant, we can cleverly put barriers in place to help us meet our goals.
RESPECT
‘Cause shade never made anybody less gay.’
~ from Taylor Swift’s, You Need to Calm Down
Apply it
Negative self-talk and put-downs have never made anyone less of who they were born to be. We all have innate characteristics hard-wired into our DNA that we must overcome to contribute to society, like our propensity for instant gratification and forgetfulness. You can’t shame the humanness out of humans. So, accept these traits without emotion. Matter-of-factly accept that we all have these problematic tendencies, and you’ll be ready to overcome them instead of being held back by the anchors of judgment. Know that you are valuable unconditionally because you’re just a human being human.
OWNERSHIP
To change the squirrel’s behavior, don’t change the squirrel. Outsmart it.
Apply it
Take Ownership by making an action plan with a new perspective. Instead of trying to change the natural human tendency, putting barriers or negative consequences in place is a more successful way to achieve your goal.
Without emotion, be analytical about how to put intentional barriers into place to outsmart yourself. For example, you can make a commitment contract on websites like stickK and Beeminder to have funds directly removed from your bank account if you stray off course. And for even more impact, the dollar amount can be substantial, and your money can be donated to a non-for-profit or organization that you disagree with.
CONNECTION
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
…and the best way to achieve your goals
Apply it
Research tells us that a successful way to approach a goal is to use the same strategy that a high-achieving peer uses. So, reach out to someone with a similar lifestyle to learn how they cracked the code. Our innate competitive nature will inspire you, and you’ll be able to ask them for real-time guidance along the way.
KINDNESS
Make a change now to be kind to your future self.
Apply it
We all know the activities we need to do to be healthy and happier. So, invest time and energy now and show your future self the Kindness you deserve.
This issue is inspired by data from Katy Milkman’s book “How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be” and co-authored paper “Copy-Paste Prompts: A New Nudge to Promote Goal Achievement.” Ms. Milkman is a behavioral scientist and professor at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
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