PROFESSOR KAREN PINE LIKES TO DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY AND WANTS THE WORLD TO DO THE SAME. SHE'S THE CO-FOUNDER OF BEHAVIOUR CHANGE PLATFORM DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND BELIEVES IN BRINGING GLORIOUS POSITIVE CHANGE TO OTHERS USING TECHNOLOGY. AS A PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY SHE UNDERSTANDS WHAT THE MIND CAN AND CAN'T DO AND CREATES PROGRAMS TO GET PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE AND REACHING THEIR POTENTIAL.
MEET KAREN PINE FROM DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT ...
What is "Do Something Different" and how did it start?
Do Something Different was created from the behavioural change work pioneered by Professors Ben Fletcher and myself, Karen Pine at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK. Today, Do Something Different utilises digital technologies to deliver a variety of products around the world, designed to tackle the habits that prevent people from adopting new behaviours.
What's your #1 reason for doing what you do?
We want to inspire millions of people to do something different. We want to take them out of their comfort zones and launch them on a new path through life. We want to make the world a better place, one Do at a time.
When did you know the Do Something Different programs really 'worked'?
When people started telling us about the small steps taken as a result of their Do Something Different programmes which then had a huge impact in their lives. The power of doing something different from your habitual response can literally change lives.
You are a pioneer in the behaviour change space. Did you always intend to use technology to improve wellbeing?
It was a logical next step. Technology is part of everyone’s lives nowadays, so it made sense to harness its disruptive power to reach lots of people through a channel they find friendly and accessible.
Is it possible to swap bad habits for healthier ones?
Making lasting change is never easy. Implementing small but powerful actions can disrupt habits, inspire new ways of doing things and make change easier. Trying to stop a bad habit using just willpower is especially difficult, but replacing it with an alternative behaviour that is equally or more rewarding is much easier.
Are habits linked to success?
In short, yes - let me explain with a few quick questions.
Imagine how you would feel if:
● You’ve arranged to meet a friend and they change plans at the last minute
● A restaurant is unable to offer your regular drink
● Your boss asks you to do something that’s outside your role
● Another person takes on a task for you, but doesn’t do it the way you do
● You cannot get your usual seat/ parking place/ holiday reservation
If your reaction is that you feel ‘miffed’ or ‘upset’ that would suggest you’re less behaviourally flexible. And if you answered ‘no problem’ or ‘yay, bring it on’? Congratulations, you’re probably more behaviourally flexible.
Our research shows that you can become more ‘behaviourally flexible by changing small things in your everyday life, disrupting your routines and stepping outside the norm sometimes. This means trying new things, in new places, with new people. In short, doing something different. We have also found that if you are behaviourally flexible then you’re less likely to be stressed, less likely to be overweight and you’ll cope much better with the ups and downs of living.
What does success look like to you?
Success is when someone tells us they are happier or healthier as a result of one of our programmes. Or that they’ve reconnected with a loved one, pursued a passion or experienced something life-changing, big or small.
What's your secret recipe for achieving greatness?
For an individual? Simple. Do Something Different.
The programs you create help others to reach their potential. What's your big dream for the Do Something Different project to reach its potential?
To reach millions of people around the world and help them live happier and healthier lives.
Can you share a DSD success story with us?
We've got plenty of stories to share on small steps making big change! Take a look at the video below to see how we're bringing glorious positive change to the lives of others with our range of digital programs ...
Are you ready to take a 6–WEEK PERSONALISED JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION?
We've teamed up with Do Something Different to deliver the Healthy Habits program straight to you. Click here to find out much more about the program. It’s smart, simple and uses scientifically-proven techniques to help you take control of your life and enjoy a new healthier lifestyle, one small step at a time.
6 weeks of breaking bad habits
ONLY $52.50!
How do you speak to yourself when things don’t go as planned? Are you as kind and understanding as you would be with a friend? Or is your inner critic quick to jump in with harsh words? Most people find it much easier to extend kindness to others than themselves. We explore why that is, and how to start being kinder to yourself—even when it feels difficult.