Why do we need to change?
We "change" when 1. we know there is a different way 2. There is a need for "change".
Author: Mohammed Nazari
"Need for change" will happen for one the following reasons:
1. Mandatory (Outside in change), such as law, social norm, reward on punishment
2. Voluntarily (Inside out change), inside drive and motive
1. Mandatory (Outside in change):
Law:
An immigrant to Canada has to follow the rules of Canada and can't behave the way they did back home, e.g. drive the speed limit, no bribing the police or other law enforcement officers, no honorary killing such as seen in some countries, physical fights get treated more seriously in Canada than some other countries.
Another example of outside obligations are when "new laws" are applied such as no smoking in public places, no discrimination based on gender, race, sexual orientation and so on.
In these scenarios one has to follow the new rules and laws or face the consequences.
Social norm:
This is one reason we have the saying "You are as good as the people around you". People choose their friends because of their similarities or do what their friends do to become similar to them.
Often people follow what others do especially if that someone is the one whom they have respect for. This is one of the best way in promoting a new behaviour, and very commonly used in TV commercials. e.g. using a celebrity to promote a "product" such as "Soap" or a "behaviour" like "recycling".
Which is more effective on you in order to promote "recycling":
A. Recycling will help the environment and avoids global warming
B. Most people recycle their plastic, paper and bottles
C. Showing the picture of a celebrity who is throwing the paper in the recycle bin
Studies show that option B and C are more effective. In another word "Reasoning" does not work as good as "Social norm". However there are people who are rather independent thinkers, and prefer the "reasoning" better than the social "norm/copy cat".
Reward or punishment:
Depending on the personality, culture, the nature of the change required, one may work better than the other. However it seems that generally in order to make a positive change "Reward" is more effective than "Punishment". I wish police would follow this rule, so that I would get a reward for driving the speed limit instead of a ticket for driving fast:( Reality is that at times reward is not practical and punishment works more effectively.
2. Voluntarily (Inside out change):
At times we change not because we "have to" but because we "want to". This happens often because we see a NEED for a new change. Such as becoming a vegetarian, tree hugger or in my case, becoming a blogger.
Outside in Change is when we can "teach" it but may not "do" it our self (modernization). Outside in change is needed for "mass result".
Inside out change is when we "do" it but may not know how to "teach" it (civilization). Inside out change is needed for "Innovation".
Change is a necessity of life
people who don't change are dead already, only they haven't made it official yet.
Change is Exciting not Stressful
In : Logic First - Emotion Third
