In my last post, the first in this three-part series, I explained how having external sources of fuel, or drive, to make behavioral changes is costly for individuals, practitioners, patients, and organizations. If you’d like to read these posts in order, start with Part 1.
In this newsletter I discuss a much better alternative and how we can all achieve it.
In contrast to being externally fueled, when we are internally fueled toward change and goals, it’s OUR fuel. We own it. We generate it.
Let’s briefly return to the analogy of a car I used in the last newsletter. When the origin of our fuel resides inside us it is also renewable! We don’t have to fear running out of “gas” or spend time seeking out stations to refuel and reenergize ourselves.
The framework that has most informed our understanding about the superiority of having an internal source of fuel for sustainable behavior is called “self-determination theory.”
We Need the Right Kind of Fuel
There has been an abundance of research using self-determination theory across many different types of behaviors, including:
- losing weight
- adhering to medications
- controlling glucose
- smoking cessation
- exercise
- academic success
- among many others
Drive, an interesting book by bestselling author Dan Pink, reviews some of this research and persuasively reports studies showing that intrinsic “drive” (or fuel) trumps extrinsic in a whole host of areas.
This research consistently shows that when we are internally-fueled (self-determined) we are more likely to persist toward our goals in the face of challenges. Because of that stronger drive, we are more likely to sustain our target behaviors over time.
Initiating change out of a sense of ownership injects that behavior with authenticity and positive feelings. This transforms what was once a mundane chore into a behavior symbolizing purpose and meaning.
If you are an individual, practitioners, or organization who wants to better understand this essential conversion read the full post here.
Want to start a meaningful conversation about this? If you have had personal or professional experiences addressing the benefits and/or challenges of creating internal sources of fuel please share them on my blog.
I am beyond honored to have had my ideas featured in the following new places:
- CNN International, All-day energy, every day
- EverydayHEALTH.com, Making Small, Health-Boosting Changes Throughout the Year
- Huffington Post, 11 Tricks to Waking Up In The Morning
- Good Housekeeping, One Year…A Healthier You
Find these ideas interesting or useful? If so, please share this post with your friends, family, colleagues, and/or health care professionals through the social media and email icons below.
Moving Toward Happiness: One Step At a Time.
Feel free to share this post with others who share your interest in the science-based how-to’s of creating lasting changes that can survive in the real world.
Copyright © Segar, Michelle.