Discover the barriers to behavior change and how to overcome them. Explore the impact of diversity and inclusion in decision-making. Learn about the power of storytelling in communication. Understand the importance of clarity, brevity, and vividness in delivering effective messages.
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Quick takeaways
Surrounding ourselves with people who show us our limitations can act as a barrier to making positive changes in our lives.
Focusing on finding enjoyment and fun in the pursuit of goals can increase motivation and persistence.
Deep dives
Barriers to Change
There are several internal barriers to change that individuals face. These barriers include difficulties in getting started, impulsivity and procrastination, forgetting important tasks, a natural inclination towards laziness, lack of self-belief and self-efficacy, and the influence of the people we surround ourselves with.
Balancing Present and Future Goals
People tend to be motivated by instant gratification rather than long-term goals. However, research suggests that focusing on finding enjoyment and fun in the pursuit of goals can foster better results. Techniques like temptation bundling, where enjoyable activities are linked with tasks that are usually seen as burdensome, can increase motivation and persistence.
Improving Goal Follow-Through
Creating outside accountability, such as including others in the pursuit of goals, can significantly improve follow-through. Moreover, people can develop commitment devices, self-imposed consequences for failing to achieve goals. Technology can also be helpful in providing reminders and aiding in planning, both of which contribute to improved goal achievement.
"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.