Are you suffering from akrasia, a tendency to self-sabotage?
Imagine that a driver knows he is heading straight for the wall, but is unable to take his foot off the accelerator. This absurd scenario perfectly illustrates the concept of akrasia, the Greek word that refers to the strange human ability to act against one’s own interest.
Whether it’s continuing to smoke despite knowing the risks or putting off an important decision, akrasia is present everywhere. But what pushes us into this self-sabotaging behavior, and most of all, how can we fix it? Answers from a study published in New ideas in psychology.
Akrasia, a universal paradox
Akrasia is not just a philosophical abstraction, it is present in our daily lives. Take the example of a smoker, who is fully aware of the dangers to his health but is unable to stop. This behavior is not limited to addictions: it also manifests itself in our use of screens, even though we know they are harmful to our well-being. This paradox reflects the distance between what we know and what we actually do.
Akrasia concerns not only individuals, but also society. Despite warnings about climate disasters, collective behavior is struggling to change. We often move in directions we know are harmful, becoming stuck in dynamics that seem impossible to reverse.
Hidden Springs of Akrasia
Why is it so difficult to move from awareness to action? First, our emotions play a central role. Fear of change or attachment to certain habits can hinder our decisions, even when we know they are necessary. The immediate pleasure from a behavior may outweigh the long-term benefits.
Furthermore, our environment increases this difficulty. We live in a society that values instant gratification and makes healthy or responsible choices less accessible. This context reinforces our tendency to follow habits that are contrary to our aspirations.
How to overcome akrasia?
Although akrasia seems universal, it is not inviolable. The key is to implement concrete strategies to bridge the gap between intention and action. For example, setting realistic and measurable goals, surrounding yourself with support, or even using visual reminders to stay on track can be effective solutions.
Change also involves re-evaluating our priorities. Learning to better listen to our deepest needs, rather than succumbing to distractions or impulses, is essential to gaining control over our choices. Finally, acknowledging that the process is gradual and non-linear helps maintain motivation.