I’m a people watcher. I’m fascinated by human behavior.
I’m not a clinical psychologist and I’m certainly not qualified to step up to a stranger and tell them how to improve their lives. Like any curious individual, I’m drawn to the things that I can’t understand. For example, I can’t understand why parents watch, and sometimes enable, their children go through downward spirals in life. I had a very personal experience with this and thankfully everyone turned out great in the end. Similarly, it can be difficult to understand how some people can be so committed to their goals and make great strides only to consistently slip in certain areas.
Thomas theorem is used to define reality.
I think the answer lies in the Thomas theorem. Personally, The Thomas theorem is my favorite sociology theory. It’s pretty universal and can explain a variety of things from the Y2K panic to Oil prices. In 1928, American sociologist W.I. Thomas published the definition of a situation. The theory states that “If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.” The first part of the theorem deals with defining situations. Simply put, interpretation of a situation causes action. Since each individual brings their own experiences, opinions, and beliefs into their interpretations, this interpretation is very subjective. The second part clearly states the reality of these defined situations. In the example of Oil Prices, the market in 2008 was mostly controlled by speculations. Investors would set futures contracts based on what they thought prices would do. These situations were clearly subjective, but the consequences were real. In this case, oil prices rose by almost 65% in from January to June in 2008.
Inversely, the Thomas theorem explains why people ignore they’re problems.
If that’s true, than the inverse also has to be recognized. Similarly, if we do not define a situation as real, there are no consequences. Think of that as a teenager who knows “that won’t happen to me” or an alcoholic in denial. In those cases, individuals simply refuse to define their situations as real. This is what I think when I see parents enabling their children down self-destructive paths. They simply say “that’s not happening to my son.”
Taking responsibility for your own actions allows change to happen.
What does all of this have to do with Self Discipline though? Well, the idea is that we get to define the situation – we have the obligation to define the situation. So how do we define our situations? Take a step back and re-evaluate your decisions. Look at each situation and define it’s consequences. I’m not talking about individual mistakes, but make sure that you’re not overlooking larger pieces of the puzzle simply because you’re not defining them as problems. If you’re trying to pay off all of your debt and you have a $45,000 car, it’s at least worth evaluating whether you should sell the car. A lot of times, the thought won’t cross your mind because the situation of “this car is bad for me” isn’t defined as real.
Ultimately, the Thomas theorem is further proof of that we define our behavior and our situations aren’t excuses. Make sure you’re making the best of every opportunity that you’re given. Thank you again for reading. Please contact me with any thoughts, comments, or questions.
– Tim
Photo Credit: Chrismatos; Josh