Power of Intrinsic Forces

What are intrinsic forces? As the Behavioral Continuum introduces, each person has a set of intrinsic forces that operate inside the brain and mind (there’s a difference), constantly influencing our behavior. They include mindsets, beliefs, genetics, non-conscious processes (e.g. willpower, masochism, and guilt), physical health and functional status, habits, and emotions (e.g. pleasure, desire, fear, and pain).

Malleability and influence of intrinsic forces. As the neuroplasticity section explains, many mindsets, pleasures, aversions, desires, willpower, and habits – all intrinsic forces – develop over time based on experience. If lucky, your intrinsic forces drive you to behaviors like eating broccoli and exercise. If unlucky (like the woman in this video), they drive you to french fries and 4 hours of TV per day. We can help your people build healthier intrinsic forces. But, without healthier intrinsic forces, many of your people’s efforts to improve their behaviors will not produce adequate results.

Intrinsic Forces are often the most cost-effective engagement technique. Intrinsic forces not only substantially influence your people’s overall behavior; they influence where they pay attention and what engages them. When you help your people build healthier intrinsic forces, you are creating renewable resources. Like solar power, healthier intrinsic forces keep giving and giving over time, often making them the most cost-effective engagement and behavioral promotion technique.