Member-only story
In our efforts to change the world, we often find ourselves focused on organizing one-off events, mobilizing grassroots movements, and implementing policies. While these efforts are important, their impact is limited and short-lived.
Why? Because these efforts target behavior modification rather than addressing the underlying drivers of behavior — our mental models. Mental models serve as the lenses through which we perceive and interpret the world around us. They are formed through our experiences and interactions with our environment, shaping our beliefs and, consequently, influencing our decisions and actions.
Consider the following scenario: if we perceive the poor to be lazy and self-entitled, our solutions will reflect this belief. We will justify our neglect of them and the punitive measures we use to compel them to work. Conversely, if we view the poor being a product of structural barriers and societal injustices, then we would treat them more kindly and support them in their efforts to overcome their predicament. Same problem, but two very different approaches.
To me, the above scenario clearly demonstrates the impact mental models have on the strategies we employ and the outcomes we achieve. Thus, I believe if we want to change the world, we would be wise to focus our efforts on transforming the mental models of those around us.
