the rider and the elephant

Lets evaluate the analogy of the Rider and the elephant when making lasting behavioral changes.

This theory, originally coined by psychologist Jonathan Haidt, was created while studying behavioral change. He argues that we have 2 minds. The rational, conscious, verbal mind, ‘the rider’, and the unconscious, emotional mind, ‘ the elephant’. The rider is in control only about 1–5% of the time by various estimates and the elephant, in contrast is driving decisions 95–99% of the time.

Our biggest problem when addressing change, is that we usually talk only to the rider, who seems to be in charge, but has very little control. To complicate matters further, the powerful elephant communicates in subtle confusing language. It is very difficult to direct the elephant with verbal or rational direction. While the rider can tell you exactly where he wants to go, the elephant is impulsive, prone to emotions and tends to be habitual to a fault.

Therefore lasting change occurs when we are able to satisfy both minds.

But what does the elephant want? there is mounting evidence that meditation helps the emotional body to speak up and be heard. In addition, meditation, quiets the rider, who can be deafening with it’s demands, drowning out the subtle communication from the elephant.

Chip and Dan Heath, comment in their book Switch, ““Perched atop the Elephant, the Rider holds the reins and seems to be the leader. But the Rider’s control is precarious because the Rider is so small relative to the Elephant. Anytime the six-ton Elephant and the Rider disagree about which direction to go, the Rider is going to lose. He’s completely overmatched.”

As the rational rider we may know where we want to go, but we need to motivate the elephant with emotion and remove any obstacles on the path, as the elephant is impulsive and will return to well worn, familiar, ruts quickly with any obstacle.

An example in behavioral change would be wanting to lose weight. the rider may define a weight loss goal. However the elephant likes to stick to the path that is familiar and comfortable, so to motivate the elephant, the rider needs to make it fun, offer an incentive or a surprise. ie if the elephant succeeds, they can celebrate by taking a tropical vacation, or buying a new outfit, something that rewards the emotional mind. the rider also needs to make it easy. ie remove tempting foods from the house, and plan meals ahead of time, so it is harder to be impulsive and easier to be successful.

We so often fail by convincing the rider, when it is the elephant that needs to be persuaded.

If we can get the two to work together, powerful change is possible.