A Radically New Approach To Change? ‘Rip It Up’ by Richard Wiseman
Rip It Up
Amazon.com & Amazon.co.uk
Behavioural theorists have known for years that when we behave and act in certain ways our emotions and moods are altered. Decades of studies have proved this. In Rip It Up, psychologist, performer and author, Professor Richard Wiseman, pulls together this research and encapsulates these findings in a clever and unique way. Wiseman considers his recently published book to be a “radically new approach to change” and as such it is an interesting and enlightening read.
In essence, Rip It Up follows the principle expounded by the ‘Father of Psychology,’ William James, in the late 19th Century: “If you want a quality, act as if you already have it.” Known in psychology circles as ‘The As If Principle,’ Wiseman outlines the research and studies which give scientific proof to this principle. If we behave ‘as if’ we are happy – smile and laugh – then our mind will be convinced of this and we will feel better. This applies to a multitude of situations. If we behave with confidence – stand up tall, act as though we are a force to be reckoned with – our mind will believe this and we will feel more confident. For the person with low self-esteem who doesn’t feel that they are a person of worth, encourage them to act ‘as if’ they are a person of value and worth and behave accordingly, and this will result in growth in their self-esteem. Wiseman writes convincingly and persuasively that taking such positive action is often a quicker and more effective way to create change in a person’s life. So, rather than waiting to feel emotions and think thoughts, he advises us to take action and behave the way we actually want to feel.
At a cursory glance, this may all sound a little simplistic. However, as the book progresses the merit of the principle/theory unfolds and there is a great deal of research that validates its scientific basis. These are not new thoughts, though. As noted above, behavioural theorists (all of whom Wiseman cites and bases his own work on) have proved the importance of behaviour for years. Also, we all know the catchphrase ‘fake it till you make it’ which is a popularised version of ‘The As If Principle’ at work. Finally, contrary to some comments in the book, actions and behaviour have always been a part of true cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Even though Wiseman’s approach may not be quite as new or as radical as implied, the accessible and novel way the ideas are presented make this a valuable contribution to the debate around helping us all deal with our thoughts, feelings and moods. Perhaps the ‘action/behaviour’ side of the vital trio: thoughts, feelings and actions, has been neglected. Certainly an isolationist view, in some self-help quarters, has focused solely on the quality of our thinking rather than seeing this alongside the importance of our behaviour. With this in mind, Rip It Up firmly attempts to claw back some of the ground occupied by the ‘positive thinkers’ and pure ‘cognitive therapists’ and demonstrates how vital our behaviour and actions are in creating our thoughts and feelings. In validating positive action, Wiseman has placed behaviour at the top of popular psychology’s approach to change – right where it needs to be.
If you’ve got any thoughts I’d really like to hear them. I look forward to your comments.
“Fake it till you make it” now to be honest I have never heard that one before… but have been living it all my life… I am a great believer in myself, and in all my undertakings have been convinced of success… I’ve not been right all the time.. but I think the attitude has helped me move on to the next enterprise…
Isn’t it interesting to find you have been living a psychologically proven theory, Rob, and it’s been serving you well – without knowing it had a name! It is a fine thing when our instincts and values align with what is good for us. Thanks so much for such a great comment. My best to you today, Ruth 🙂
My “self-esteem” at present is at a rather low ebb, What have I that I can be proud of. I have more things to be ashamed of. Like the times I have failed to keep promises, etc.
If I should walk in the company of strangers, “as if” I were a proud strong man.
Hoping my physical demeanour should convince my brain (and the company that I am in), that I am in fact happy, friendly and good company to be with. Then Is that not the same as “putting on a brave face” “acting” ? when in truth our minds are spinning from life’s chaos and confusion.
Perhaps it is just a case of being “positive” !!!
To be honest I don’t rightly know, I am just as confused about this as the next man.
Hi Kenny, I feel so much for you with your self-esteem. It is a hard road and takes a lot to rebuild or build it up. Sometimes, when we look back, we have made mistakes and hurt people and as much as we try to make amends there is only so much we can do on this. What becomes important then is to look at the person we are trying to be now and the values we now hope to live by. There is a point at which we do need to draw a line in the sand. If we value the life we now have and try to make amends (even knowing that this is by no means always possible) we may be able to begin to claw back our self-worth. If we continually look back and beat ourselves up about what has gone before – who are we helping? We can still feel regret and remorse and even shame – and reveal these feelings to others – but alongside this find the seeds of self-worth in the person we now strive to be. Is this a better way to make more of the life we are blessed to have? We can only try to be the best we can be now. With a true heart and genuine remorse, would you think someone else deserved this chance? For everyone makes mistakes, perhaps of differing magnitudes, but ‘glass houses’ and ‘stones’ come to mind.
I completely take your point about ‘pretending’ with the ‘as if’ theory. I’m not so sure that pride is ever a great thing anyway. But if you think of feeling self-worth, acting this way with the appropriate thoughts of remorse etc., then the idea is that it helps you to forge a new path. To begin to see yourself as someone of value now and to act as though you do have a value (e.g. to accept a dinner invitation even though you don’t yet feel worthy of it.) For to feel and act as though we are without value – whatever has gone before – cannot assist those who have been hurt and just wastes any potential for good things that we have to offer in the future.
This has turned into a mini post, Kenny, but your comment was such a deep one and I thank you so much for it and wanted to offer you some of my thoughts. As mentioned in the last post on “Buried Treasure,” others can see the glimmers of the jewels but until we see them ourselves, and think we deserve to find them, then we will just face that long black hole. My warmest thoughts and wishes to you my friend and a smile for this sunny day, Ruth 🙂
Running clear through your comment, is a golden thread of truth. I have read it more than once and I “do” understand it.
Braking a dear friends valuable trust, is like ripping the heart out of a lettuce. There is not a great deal you can do with what remains. I make “no” mistake in foolishly believing, I can invisibly mend a once broken trust. But there is something of a paradox here. So why should I strive to mend something that is irreparable anyway.
Inexplicable me I guess !
Yes I feel regret, remorse “and” shame, but I have planted the seeds of self worth. I trust they shall thrive, bloom and point my nose in the direction of the so elusive hidden treasure, that awaits within me.
Thank you for your thoughts, most welcome of you.
in answer to both your questions “Yes”
” KEEP SMILING RUTH ” 🙂
:
On fertile soul, with a little rain and some sun, I trust those precious seeds will thrive Kenny. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, wisdom and depth. 🙂
So do endorse this concept Ruth…but must be honest – it has not served me in my medical challenges. YES in interpersonal, career, etc. But no matter how psyched I am that this next surgery or medical intervention will be “the one” I seem to come out worse-off. So even though I advocate for the “Act As If” in most all emotionally charged situations… I’d say to be a little cautious with it when it comes to major medical decision making. Just my 2 cents — but again has proven a wonderful tool for most all else – given that when you “act as if” you really have embraced the “as if” and are in alignment with it ! x Much Love and wonderful post ~ xR
Robyn, we agree completely! It does not work to cure illness or disease which does not relate to confidence or belief. It may help you manage illness, but it is certainly not appropriate to use it unwisely. If we acted ‘as if’ we had not broken a hip, when we had, things would not go well for us! As always, these principles work for some things and not for others. Glad you enjoyed the post and thank so much for your ‘2 cents’ – it was well worth the price! xx
The book sounds interesting and one is always tempted to go for the golden solution in yet another book. But (and you knew there was a ‘but’ coming!) the mind is so, so complex that golden solutions probably don’t exist. As the saying goes, “I thought I was a little mad and after a year’s counselling it was true; I was mad!”
Just my two-pennies worth.
I enjoy your two-pennies worth Paul! As I write this you are on your long trip – hope it is going well. I agree, there is no single magic solution, just things which help different people at different times. We can only offer information we think is helpful and pertinent and see if it is of interest to anyone! Ruth 🙂
I’ve always appreciated William James, though I do not always agree with him. I do agree, however, with the as-if principle and it has stood me well countless times. Nice to see someone making it relevant for today’s audience. It requires a sheer force of will, however, to pull this off in some really difficult situations. I can see why it would be very hard for people who are extremely shy or who have very low self-esteem. Still ,it is something to be practiced and aimed for, even if one takes baby steps to do it. It is something like visualization in a way — seeing yourself being successful at whatever the challenge is. Thanks for another great, thought-provoking and helpful post, Ruth. 🙂
Thanks so much Angela for your great comment. Yes, and it is also amazing how often we live these principles without knowing someone has given them a name! I will be over to visit you soon. Take good care 🙂