Thanks to scientific research, we now have practical ways to overcome the barriers to meaningful behavioral change.
One frequent observation is that while they deeply value lessons on human behavior, they often perceive these topics as less rigorous than quantitative subjects like accounting and finance in our business program.
This view often makes me smile quietly, not out of rejection, but because it shows an interesting irony. Human behavior, the foundation of my teachings, often shapes these perceptions. The idea that social studies are less rigorous than math or science actually highlights the complexity of human behavior. At first glance, ideas about behavior may seem simple and intuitive but applying them effectively is an entirely different challenge.
The Gap Between Knowing and Doing
Take, for example, the subject of my previous article: the importance of perspective and how miscommunication often arises from what communication expert Michael Duty calls "misinterpreting emphasis." This concept suggests that misunderstandings occur when people interpret situations in ways that favor their own perspective.
In theory, the idea is straightforward. However, in practice, stepping out of your own perspective and adopting someone else’s during a heated argument is incredibly challenging.
This divide between understanding a concept and applying it in real life is what I refer to as the *knowing-doing gap*. It isn’t unique to the study of behavior; it’s present in nearly every aspect of life.
Consider a universal truth: maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise, and rest is essential for well-being. We all know this. Yet, how many of us consistently translate this knowledge into daily habits?
The problem lies in the mistaken belief that knowing something is equivalent to mastering it. When we come across a powerful idea, it’s easy to feel as though understanding it will naturally improve our lives. But that’s far from reality. Knowing alone doesn’t create lasting change action does. And that action often requires effort, persistence, and a willingness to unlearn deeply ingrained habits.
Why Behavioral Change Is So Hard
Changing behavior is difficult for two main reasons: internal resistance and external challenges.
It involves breaking familiar habits, which takes effort and focus. Externally, our environments and cultures often discourage positive change.
For instance, adopting someone else’s perspective might seem like a noble goal, but it’s tough in practice especially in environments that reward conflict over empathy. Social media algorithms, for example, amplify divisiveness because it drives engagement. In such a setting, even those who understand the value of perspective-taking may find it hard to act on that knowledge.
This is the gap between knowing and doing: learning something and applying it are two completely different things. Fortunately, behavioral science offers tools to bridge this gap.
Five Strategies to Turn Knowledge Into Action
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for behavioral change, research has identified several strategies to help transform knowledge into consistent practice. Here are five practical approaches based on behavioral science:
1. Focus on Habits, Not Willpower
A study from Duke University revealed that over 40% of our daily actions are driven by habits, not conscious decisions. This means lasting change cannot rely solely on willpower or motivation, both of which are temporary. Instead, aim to turn desired actions into habits automatic behaviors that require little mental effort.
2. Start Small
Human nature resists big changes, especially when they feel overwhelming. Well-known authors like James Clear (Atomic Habits) and B.J. Fogg (Tiny Habits) emphasize starting with small, manageable actions.
For example, instead of committing to a long workout routine, begin with just three push-ups a day. The goal is to reduce resistance so your brain has no reason to fight the change. Over time, these micro-habits can snowball into significant transformations.
3. Clearly Define the Timing and Situation
Vague goals like "be more empathetic" or "read more" rarely lead to meaningful change. Behavioral studies reveal that being specific boosts your chances of success.
Instead of saying "understand others' viewpoints," try: "During dinner with my partner, I’ll ask about their day and try to see things from their point of view."
Instead of saying "read more," try: "I’ll read for 15 minutes every night before bed."
B.J. Fogg calls this "habit anchoring," where you tie a new habit to an existing one. For instance, practice perspective-taking every time you sit down for a family meal, linking the desired behavior to an established routine.
4. Optimize Your Environment
Your environment has a big impact on the habits you develop. James Clear suggests designing your environment to make the desired action as easy as possible.
For instance, if you want to have meaningful conversations with your partner during dinner, keep a list of conversation prompts or questions on the table. This simple adjustment reduces mental effort and increases the likelihood of forming the habit.
5. Incorporate Rewards
Behavioral change is easier with immediate positive reinforcement. The challenge is that good habits often offer delayed rewards, while bad habits provide instant gratification.
To counter this, find ways to appreciate the subtle, immediate benefits of good habits. B.J. Fogg suggests celebrating small wins like pumping your fist and saying, "I did it!" Charles Duhigg, author of 'The Power of Habit', recommends treating yourself to small rewards, like having a cup of coffee or watching your favorite TV show.
Be mindful, though: keep the rewards controlled to avoid creating a new bad habit. Over time, these external rewards will reinforce the habit until its intrinsic benefits become evident.