The Broken Windows Theory is based on the observation the humans often act according to their environment, most specifically with regards to criminology. The theory came from social scientist, George L. Kelling, who was hired as a consultant to the New york City Transit Authority in 1985 to deal with increase crime on subways. As a result, Kelling sought to improve crime rates not by upping the police presence, but by replacing broken windows, removing graffiti, and cleaning subway areas.
T$ levels with Raffy.
His thought was that in an environment that appears disordered sends certain signals. These signals, then, support conformity (aka further destruction and unruly activity) and the norms that are associated with an unkept enviroment. On the opposite side of the same coin, a clean side walk supports a self perpetually clean side walk, because conformity to the perceived norm is cleanliness and order.
Of course, the rest is history. Cleaning up the appearance of the subways in New York in the 80s improved the rates of both petty and serious crime. My best friend in college, for example, had a incredibly cluttered, messy car. I’d often leave trash and cups in it without ever thinking twice. Would I ever leave trash in my mom’s new Lexus? Not a shot.
There are undoubtedly things in your life that support perpetual behavior with regards to health and wellness, as well. Weight loss is hard with a house full of junk food, for example. Getting one’s life together may be impeded as long as his/her closet is unorganized. My question to you is, what are the broken windows in your life that are supporting behavior you dislike?
Logan Gelbrich
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Thursday’s Workout:
“Squat Ladder”
With an empty barbell, complete one squat on the first minute, two on the second minute, three on the third… and so on until you cannot complete the prescribed number of squats within the respective minute.
**Score is last completed rounds score before the full minute has elapsed
