Barriers to Behavior Change

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This chapter explores the barriers that prevent individuals from realizing the changes they want in their attitudes and behaviors. It discusses internal barriers such as getting started, impulsivity, procrastination, and the importance of belief and support. The chapter also explores the concept of present versus future motivation and the use of temptation bundling to make tasks more enjoyable.

"We're wired to look for the path of least resistance and efficiency, and that's normally a good thing, but it can get in the way when we want to make a change," says Wharton professor Katy Milkman. Through her research on decision making and in her recent book How to Change the Science of Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want To Be, Milkman examines the many barriers we create for ourselves when it comes to achieving goals.

"Who you surround yourself [is important] with because we have a tendency to conform to the people around us," she says. "And if we are surrounded by people who show us our limitations, that can be a barrier."

On this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast, host Matt Abrahams sits down with Milkman to further explore her research into human behavior and decision making, motivation, and tools we can use to make real change.

More resources

For a full transcript, visit this episode's webpage.

Bob Cialdini, "Change My Mind: Using “Pre-suasion” to Influence Others"

Szu-Chi Huang, "From Dreaming to Doing: How We Set and Achieve Goals"

Jonah Berger, "Magic Words: Change What You Say to Inspire and Influence Others"