“You modify your own behaviour by modifying the situation in which it occurs.”

Ayelet Fishbach

It’s difficult to change our behaviour when we live in an environment that reinforces the old behaviour we seek to change.

We default to what is easy and accessible. You know the drill:

• You would like to feel less stressed at work, but you never make the time to plan your day properly.
• You would like to use your phone less, but it’s always in your hand.
• You want to stop ordering takeaway, but there never seems to be any food in the fridge at dinner time.
• You would like to read a book for once, but you can’t decide what to read, and Netflix is right there.
• You would like to start running, but there is never the time after work.

It all seems too hard to change in that critical moment.

What if we change the situation in which the behaviour occurs:

• Make the plan for tomorrow’s workday when clocking off today. Or get to work 15 minutes earlier to make the plan.
• Put your phone in a box when you get home.
• Stock the fridge with your desired food choices.
• Lay some interesting books on the coffee table.
• Set your running shorts and shoes by your bedside for that morning run.

The changes make it easier for that new behaviour to occur.

How can you change your circumstances to modify your behaviour?