Positive Psychology: Mistakes we make when trying to change behaviors

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Mistakes we make when trying to change behaviors

Top 10 Mistakes in Behavior Change from Persuasive Technology Lab at Stanford

1. Relying on willpower for longterm changes to behavior
2. Attempting big leaps instead of taking baby steps.
3. Ignoring how environment shapes behavior.
4. Tryig to stop old behaviors instead of creating new ones.
5. Blaming failures on lack of motivation
6. Underestimating the power of triggers
7. Believing that information leads to action.
8. Focusing on abstract goals rather than concrete behaviors.
9. Seeking to change a behavior forever not a short time.
10. assuming that behavior change is difficult.

Related:

(HT Eric Barker)

Source:
http://www.slideshare.net/captology/stanford-6401325

Positive Psychology given credence by Academia:

Positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive.

Commentators on the subject Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, note that:

"The field of positive psychology at the subjective level is about valued subjective experiences: well-being, contentment, and satisfaction (in the past); hope and optimism (for the future); and flow and happiness (in the present).

At the individual level, it is about positive individual traits: the capacity for love and vocation, courage, interpersonal skill, aesthetic sensibility, perseverance, forgiveness, originality, future mindedness, spirituality, high talent, and wisdom.

At the group level, it is about the civic virtues and the institutions that move individuals toward better citizenship: responsibility, nurturance, altruism, civility, moderation,tolerance, and work ethic."