Change-Making And Our Many Broken Assumptions About It
Much of what we believe about behaviour change is based on myth, fallacies, and some poor science, yet these beliefs flourish. It’s time to apply some change-making to the field of change.
My trained profession of psychology is on a shaky foundation.
Behavioural psychology is a mess. It’s not broken entirely, but many ‘truths’ about the science of behaviour have been tested, stretched, and exploded. And like many inconvenient truths, these myth-busting revelations will have little impact. That’s my somewhat cynical take on a lifetime working in behavioural science and psychology.
However, things can improve should I be wrong (and I hope I am).
Today, I point to four uncomfortable truths that are starting to be challenged.
Cognitive-Rational Behaviour Change
Most behaviour change research today is grounded in or draws heavily upon cognitive-rational models. These models are predicated on the rational actor and a largely information-driven approach to change. In short, people are exposed to new information; it changes how we think, and we reason that what exists needs to change and take appropriate action. In the middle of this, we learn new skills, seek affirmation from others, and come to a logical…
