How to Motivate People to Change -- what helps and what doesn't. Interesting piece in WSJ.

This is a very interesting piece from the Wall Street Journal on how to motivate people to change. 

"Instead of telling patients what to do and scolding them when they don't do it, clinicians ask the individual what changes he or she is willing and able to make, and then promote patients' desire, confidence and commitment to following through."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142412788732352840457845 2862092810552.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLE_Video_Top

Thanks for posting this.  I never got anything out of being scolding to do anything.  If anything, it did the opposite.  We all need positive reinforcement to succeed in my opinion.  At least that works better for me.  Telling people they can do it, that they believe in them, & giving the right tools is what helps in the long run. 

I totally agree that scolding does not work. When I was 19, I went to the doctor to be established as a new patient. At that point I was 274 and had gained 100 lbs since graduating high school. He went on and on and on in a very condescending tone about how "My wife and I are physicians with two kids... if we have time to exercise, so do you." I understand he was trying to do his job... but I was young... I was sensitive... I was ashamed... and he didn't help. I didn't go to another doctor of any kind for almost 8 years after it.

The fact of the matter is that people respond differently to different approaches. I'm a firm believer that motivation to change does come from within.... other people might encourage you and push you in the right direction, but true change won't happen until the person decides they're going to make it happen. The scolding doesn't help most people because chances are they aren't being told something that they don't already know.