Motivation Is Overrated; Environment Often Matters More
This chapter argues that environment plays a more significant role in shaping our habits than motivation. It uses examples like the hospital cafeteria study and the location of electrical meters to show how subtle environmental changes can drastically alter behavior. The chapter provides strategies for designing your environment to promote good habits, emphasizing the importance of making cues obvious and associating specific contexts with desired behaviors.
Key Stories & Examples
Hospital Cafeteria Study
A study where the placement of water bottles in a hospital cafeteria was altered, leading to increased water consumption and decreased soda consumption without any direct communication with the staff or visitors.
Small changes in the environment can significantly influence choices without relying on willpower or motivation.
Electrical Meter Location
Dutch researchers found that homeowners with electrical meters located in the main hallway used 30% less energy than those with meters in the basement, highlighting the impact of visibility on behavior.
Making behaviors and their consequences more visible can lead to positive changes in those behaviors.
Schiphol Airport Urinal Stickers
The placement of a small sticker resembling a fly in urinals at Schiphol Airport improved men's aim and reduced cleaning costs by 8% per year.
Obvious visual cues can effectively guide behavior and improve outcomes.
Apples on the Counter
The author shares a personal anecdote about forgetting to eat apples when they were stored in the refrigerator crisper, but eating them regularly once they were placed in a visible bowl on the kitchen counter.
Making desired items or cues visible increases the likelihood of engaging in the associated behavior.
Insomniacs and Bed Association
A study where insomniacs were instructed to only get into bed when tired and to leave the bed if they couldn't fall asleep. Over time, they re-associated their bed with sleeping, making it easier to fall asleep quickly.
Associating a specific context (like a bed) with a particular behavior (like sleeping) can strengthen that behavior.