Self Herding and Techniques of Habit

In his acclaimed book, “The Upside of Irrationality,” Dan Ariely describes the “self herding” principle. In self herding, the individual does not look at the emotions which temporarily…oh, so temporarily…governed their past actions. Instead, they look at their past actions alone.

Since we all have a basic strong trust in our own judgment, we look at the past actions and we believe that this must be the way to go next time. So, we keep repeating our actions over and over again, forgetting or never remembering the emotions which inspired our past behavior in the first place.

For example, Sarah has always thought of herself as a good student and a responsible person. One night, after a particularly wild high school party, she decides to get high with some people who are offering her some crack cocaine. Now, her original intention was to try the stuff. However, now when she thinks of herself, she believes herself to be someone who does crack cocaine. This alters her perspective about herself, and she continues doing drugs, in a type of self herding mental processing behavior.

At work, those who complain the loudest bring down the enthusiasm of those around them. Those who are excited and eager about their jobs help others to appreciate and take an interest in their own jobs. If people influence each other in strong ways, just think how much more effective self herding is.

Workplace drug testing exists because people, once they become addicted to illicit drugs, cannot seem to stop themselves from continuing the habit, even when they have a legitimate job and well thought of responsibilities. No, in fact, they find themselves believing them to be drug addicts no matter where they are, and this leads to substance on the jobsite. Drug & alcohol testing is necessary to avoid hiring or retaining employees who have this view of themselves. In order to be a part of a good company, they must be able to understand their own worth and they must consider themselves reliable…not just say that they are. 

This article has been taken from http://mediscreen.net.au/articles/?p=2176