In this Article:
- How does the Mary Poppins Principle make tasks more enjoyable?
- What is behavioral science's role in decision-making?
- How can the concept of nudging improve personal and public behavior?
- Why are fun tasks more likely to be completed?
- What strategies from behavioral science can help form better habits?
How to Change Your Life for the Better
by Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com
Behavioral science emerges as a field that deftly combines the insights of psychology and economics to provide a richer understanding of human decision-making. This interdisciplinary approach challenges the classical economic theory that views humans as rational agents who always make decisions that maximize their advantage. Instead, it acknowledges that humans often make predictable errors that can be systematically addressed.
The Mary Poppins Principle
One of the intriguing strategies in behavioral science is turning necessary tasks into enjoyable activities, a concept beautifully illustrated by the iconic character Mary Poppins. Mary Poppins famously said, "In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and—snap!—the job's a game." This timeless wisdom captures a powerful principle: when we infuse fun into mundane or challenging tasks, we significantly increase our likelihood of engaging with and completing them. This approach can transform our daily routines and long-term habits, making taking medication or committing to regular exercise more appealing and less burdensome.
This principle is not just about adding superficial enjoyment but fundamentally altering our perception of the tasks. For instance, consider someone who struggles with exercising regularly. By incorporating enjoyable elements—such as listening to their favorite music, watching a beloved TV show, or exercising with friends—exercise can shift from a dreaded chore to a much-anticipated activity. This method leverages our natural inclination towards pleasure and reduces resistance, making it easier to stick with beneficial routines over time. Behavioral science shows us that finding the fun in our tasks isn't just child's play; it's a strategic way to enhance motivation, improve adherence, and, ultimately, foster lasting change in our lives.
Nudging Towards Better Choices
The concept of 'nudging'—a term popularized by behavioral economists—illustrates how minor changes in how choices are presented can significantly influence decision-making. An example is altering the setup of food items in a cafeteria to encourage healthier eating habits by simply positioning salads before desserts.
Behavioral science isn’t just for individual improvement; its applications extend to public policy and organizational management. Organizations and governments can promote better choices among their populations by employing subtle behavioral nudges, such as increasing vaccination rates or encouraging better savings habits.
The Power and Perils of Fresh Starts
Research shows that people are more inclined to pursue personal improvements during significant beginnings in their lives—like the New Year or a birthday. These 'fresh start' moments motivate people to leave past behaviors behind and embrace new habits. However, they also come with challenges, as they can disrupt ongoing progress, highlighting the need to apply this insight carefully.
As we explore the dynamics of human behavior, it becomes evident that modifying our actions involves more than just willpower; it requires an understanding of the underlying psychological and environmental factors that guide our decisions. From making tasks enjoyable to leveraging strategic nudges and aligning efforts with natural beginnings, behavioral science offers a potent toolkit for anyone looking to make lasting changes.
The Science Behind Forming Better Habits
This podcast episode on Big Brains interviews Katy Milkman, a Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania professor. Milkman discusses her new book, How to Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, and shares her extensive research and applications of behavioral science.
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This groundbreaking book, featuring a foreword by Angela Duckworth, author of "Grit," unlocks the secrets to overcoming the barriers between you and your goals. Whether it’s impulsivity, procrastination, or forgetfulness, Milkman's innovative strategies, drawn from her award-winning research and extensive collaborations, provide a clear path forward. Packed with engaging case studies and practical insights,
"How to Change" is not just for those seeking to improve themselves but also for leaders who aim to foster change in others. Learn how to harness timing, leverage your impulses for good, and turn advising into a tool for personal success. This book is your guide if you're ready to make lasting changes and achieve your goals.
Article Recap
Behavioral science strategies, such as turning tasks into fun activities through the Mary Poppins Principle, help increase engagement and motivation. Additionally, the concept of nudging, popular in behavioral economics, subtly guides individuals toward better choices by altering how options are presented. Together, these strategies offer effective ways to promote lasting behavior changes, both for individuals and larger populations.
About the Author
Robert Jennings is co-publisher of InnerSelf.com with his wife Marie T Russell. He attended the University of Florida, Southern Technical Institute, and the University of Central Florida with studies in real estate, urban development, finance, architectural engineering, and elementary education. He was a member of the US Marine Corps and The US Army having commanded a field artillery battery in Germany. He worked in real estate finance, construction and development for 25 years before starting InnerSelf.com in 1996.
InnerSelf is dedicated to sharing information that allows people to make educated and insightful choices in their personal life, for the good of the commons, and for the well-being of the planet. InnerSelf Magazine is in its 30+year of publication in either print (1984-1995) or online as InnerSelf.com. Please support our work.
Creative Commons 4.0
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 License. Attribute the author Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com. Link back to the article This article originally appeared on InnerSelf.com
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