Behavior and behavior change is not as complicated as most people think. It’s systematic. — Dr. BJ Fogg
We will start to explore the following equation later:
B = MAP
B stands for behavior
M stands for motivation
A stands for ability
P stands for prompt
Before we jump to understand the equation, let’s find out the inventor.
Who is BJ Fogg?
Prof. Fogg is the founder of the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University and a scientist. Prof. Fogg is also known as the top 10 business gurus globally.
He introduced a behavior change method called BJ Fogg Method to change a behavior, and the transition will happen if and only if the following three elements occur.
1- Motivation
2- Ability
3- Prompt
Before jumping on the model, let’s look at the B=MAT equation. The equation is quite simple to understand; Professor Fogg calls behavior as an action you need three parameters to perform the task.
Motivation
You must be motivated to complete a task. Prof. Fogg says the most effective way to learn is at the micro-level, in which you practice a specific action in a time interval.
Ability
You must have the capability to complete the action.
Prompt
A trigger could be internal or external to keep pushing you to initiate the action.
Let’s take a couple of examples to solidify the concept.
1- A small income person may be motivated to buy a luxury home in the most expensive part of the town. That person may not have the ability to do so. In this situation, the behavior will not happen even if he visits the city multiple times.
Motivation is a component that is missing. There is a possibility that the person can afford a car but may not be interested in cars. The behavior will not occur.
2- Let’s take another example to solidify the concept. The same person still wants to buy a luxury home and does not have income but is willing to upgrade his skills.
He has the motivation to buy the book, time to read the book, and fortunately, the book is available at a discount that’s a prompt or trigger. In this situation, a behavior will occur.
Bottom line
The Fogg behavior model shows us that 3 components must happen simultaneously to act: Motivation, Ability, and Prompt.
Suppose you are not completing the task; at least one component is missing. Find the missing part to take action.
Behavior (B) happens when Motivation (M), Ability (A), and a Prompt (P) come together at the same moment. — Professor Fogg
You can apply this method in almost all facets of life. Fogg’s model is useful in all types of behavior and culture across the globe for adults or kids. As professor Fogg says, it’s a universal way to create habits.
Professor Fogg also wrote a bestseller book on building small sustainable habits — Small Habits by BJ Fogg.
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