What shapes the way we think and make decisions
To answer that, we first need to understand what influences our thinking and choices. According to Daniel Kahneman, we use two different systems–System 1 and System 2.
When System 1 is in charge, we make quick, intuitive, and often emotional decisions. These are automatic responses and are based on habits. Everything we do without thinking much, like brushing our teeth, making coffee, or packing lunch, falls into this category.
In contrast, when System 2 is engaged, we make slower and more deliberate decisions. That is why it is often called the reflective system. It helps us plan and set direction in life. This includes important choices such as which retirement plan to choose, whether to have children, or if we should change jobs. These are decisions that clearly require careful thought.
The challenge with changing or building new habits is that System 2 must take over and override System 1. This takes energy, and a lot of it. That is why we so easily fall back into old routines. They are quicker and easier, and most of the time we do not even realize it is happening. So instead of going for that run we had planned, we end up on the couch watching television. Running is not yet an automatic habit, but relaxing on the couch is.
Start with small steps
To successfully create or change habits, it is best to take small steps. When we begin with big and dramatic changes, we often lose motivation quickly because the goal feels overwhelming. But we often do the opposite. We go all in. New Year’s resolutions are a good example of this. The result, familiar to many, is that we struggle to maintain new routines and quickly return to old ones.
So, what is the point?
Right now, during the 2020 pandemic, we are living through an extraordinary situation. In a very short time, we have managed to change several deeply ingrained habits at once. And we have done it without taking small steps.
How is that possible?
The seriousness of the situation and the strict measures that have been introduced mean we cannot fall back into our usual routines. Even though it is demanding, System 2 has had to take over in many areas at the same time.
Before going any further, let me be clear. This is not an attempt to say “something good must come from something bad”. The extreme and serious health and financial consequences of the pandemic are things we all wish had never happened.
But since this situation is already here, I believe it brings a real opportunity. When we are no longer able to do things the way we used to, we have a chance to reconsider our habits. And that is an opportunity we should take.
As everyday life slowly returns, we have the chance to keep some of the new habits we have formed.
Right now, people are flying less, driving less, shopping less. We wash our hands more. We attend meetings, courses, and workshops online. More and more people say that this actually works well. Some even say they feel more productive than before. The good news is that the longer we keep doing these things, the more likely it is that they will stick.
In a crisis, shared purpose helps us change. During a crisis, we often experience a rare sense of unity. That shared purpose makes it easier to change our behavior and do what we know is right.
The importance of mastery and self belief (self efficacy)
We are also experiencing a sense of mastery. And we need to hold on to that feeling. We cannot let our automatic habits take over again when life goes back to normal.
Research supports this. Studies show that people who believe they can change their behavior are more likely to succeed. This belief in your own ability is what psychologist Albert Bandura called self efficacy.
Creating lasting change
Let us be more aware during this overwhelming crisis. Let us decide together that we will not return fully to our old ways when this is over. Let us choose to continue some of our new habits. We might even help make the world a little better than it was before. If not for ourselves, then for those who will inherit the planet after us.
A recent survey of public attitudes during the pandemic showed that most people are willing to make the changes that are needed. Not mainly to protect themselves, but to protect the elderly, the vulnerable, and those they care about.
A reason for hope
That gives us hope. Hope that when this is behind us, we will keep going. That we will each do our part so future generations, our children, can live a little more safely because we changed our behavior and did what we all know is right!
