How To Finally Change Your Ways, Part 2

Continuing my series on my delicious favorite-book-of-late, Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard, by Chip & Dan Heath. You may want to read last week's post if you need to catch up– will also be posting links at the bottom of each series post as I go.

Here's the quick recap: Two parts of yourself– the Rider (the smart one who wants to go places) and the Elephant (a big reluctant animal who's really in control if he wants to be, who seeks comfort and instant gratification, but has great power and energy if led correctly). To make change and create new habits, whether personally or in an organization, we have to manage these two characters that live within us, and we're exploring exactly how, based on concepts from the Switch book. We're relating all of this to the personal change necessary when you want to get organized.

This week: Direct the Rider. How do we get the Rider to be as clear as possible about where he needs to go?

First, be specific– script the moves. The book describes a campaign in which people were instructed to buy 1% milk instead of whole milk to have healthier habits. This was much more effective than just saying "eat better." As the book says, "Some is not a number. Soon is not a time."

So, for example, if we're trying to "be more organized" (too vague), let's start by having some very specific routines that we do in the morning and in the evening to help ourselves have a more productive and less stressful day.

• Morning routine: Just “DEW” it. We recommend the “To DEW” List… Dishes, Eating, and Wash.  Empty the dishwasher, decide what’s for dinner, and take the laundry to the next step.
• Evening routine: Triple S.  Start the dishwasher, Straighten up the house, and Set for tomorrow. Make it as easy as possible to leave the house on time by gathering up things you’ll need the next day.

Second, look for bright spots. Find out what is WORKING already and replicate that. What systems are doing well for you in your home? Dishes? Mail? Shopping lists? Are you pretty good at remembering appointments? Why? Keep asking why until you reveal some principles that you can apply to other areas. And look for great role models as bright spots too– find out why things work for them. Ask! Finding bright spots not only gives the Rider useful information, it also gives hope to our friend the Elephant, who is looking for an emotional hook to motivate him.

Third, point to the destination. Where are we going? What will it look like when we get there? Instead of vaguely saying, "I want to see the Pacific Ocean," you are much more likely to get there if you say you want to visit Malibu. So instead of wishing you were "more organized," you can paint a picture for yourself of what it will be like when your mail is regularly processed and settled, your kitchen counters are clear the majority of the time, you are not afraid to invite people over, and you feel peace of mind. The book says your goal should be big and compelling and should "hit you in the gut." That goal is going to be unique to you, but gives some thought to exactly what "organized" looks like in your own definition. 

Does your Rider know where you are going, or is s/he over-analyzing, paralyzed, and making the Elephant go around in circles?  What's your big and compelling destination? What are the bright spots in your systems? Share in the comments!

Other posts in this series are:

• Introduction
• Direct the Rider (this post),
• Motivate the Elephant, and
• Shape the Path.

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