Changing Someone's Mind: A Strategy for Success
This blog offers a strategy for changing someone's mind about something. It suggests that before trying to change someone's mind with views, opinions, or facts, one should explain why they want them to change their mind.
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The Sp⚽️rts Physio
Physio and S&C coach for 20+ years with a passion for getting people stronger and occasionally using stronger language! Views my own! #CantGoWrongGettingStrong
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Have you ever wanted to change someone’s mind about something and found yourself totally unable to do that!
— The Sp⚽️rts Physio (@AdamMeakins) March 23, 2023
Well here is a strategy you may want to try next time that MIGHT be more effective… -
Before trying to change someone’s mind with your views, opinions, or even cold hard facts and data…
— The Sp⚽️rts Physio (@AdamMeakins) March 23, 2023
First try explaining to the other person WHY you want them to change their mind! -
If you let someone know WHY you would like them to change their mind… they are more likely to listen to and consider your views and data!
— The Sp⚽️rts Physio (@AdamMeakins) March 23, 2023 -
An example of this maybe that you hear a colleague explaining things to a patient about their pain or injury with outdated explanations and narratives…
— The Sp⚽️rts Physio (@AdamMeakins) March 23, 2023 -
Instead of just telling the other person about the alternative explanations and facts…
— The Sp⚽️rts Physio (@AdamMeakins) March 23, 2023
First try telling them that you are concerned that their explanations maybe adversely affecting people! -
Most healthcare professionals are genuinely trying to help the people they see!
— The Sp⚽️rts Physio (@AdamMeakins) March 23, 2023
Many use outdated narratives because they don’t know any better, not because they are bad, evil, or malicious… -
Expressing your concerns to them about the negative effects their explanations may have on others, has a better chance of making them stop and think!
— The Sp⚽️rts Physio (@AdamMeakins) March 23, 2023
Well much better than thrusting a research paper under their nose! -
We are all more likely to reconsider our thoughts and actions when they are presented as being detrimental or harmful to others… rather than being just wrong!
— The Sp⚽️rts Physio (@AdamMeakins) March 23, 2023 -
When trying to change minds or behaviour… it’s always good to start at the why! https://t.co/hikMJXTOvW
— The Sp⚽️rts Physio (@AdamMeakins) March 23, 2023