Changing Actions Or Attitude?

Typically changing actions is a result of consequence. Positive or negative immediate consequences are very effective at creating a short-term change in actions.

Changing attitudes takes time. Changing attitudes requires understanding.

If we only offer consequences as a means to change short-term actions, we will never get the chance to educate people to understand the need for change.

If we begin by educating people, teaching them about the need for change, then their actions will change over time, and the changes will be long-term.

It might take longer to change attitudes, but it’s worth it.

Consider the example of a speeding driver, doing 107km on a freeway, slowing down under bridges, past parked cars and speed cameras. The consequence of a potential fine changes their short-term action, but it hasn't changed their fundamental understanding of the dangers of speeding. If we had the opportunity to educate the driver to understand the dangers of speeding, we stand a better chance of changing their attitude and actions in the long-term.

Change making is not a short-term endeavour, it shouldn't be treated as one.