P.A.R.R.—The Scientific Method for Habit Development and Behavior Change

Fifteen years later, things are starting to feel a little uncomfortable.

The scientific method— common sense codified— is used for everything under the sun:

Marketing? A/B tested.

Ads? Split tested.

Vaccines. Test Immune Response.

Water Purification.

Pasteurization

Fertilizer. Identify Kill Bacteria

Space travel? Rocket science.

The scientific method dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, with brilliant thinkers like Sir Francis Bacon and Isaac Newton laying the groundwork.

It’s shaped our world ever since.

Yet when it comes to habit development—the stuff that changes lives...

Where is the scientific method in habit development?

Awkwardly, it seems behavioral science keeps directing us to the habit loop.

Again. And again.

Cue → Routine → Reward.

If you’re a rodent, a deer, or a cow, the habit loop is terrific. 🐁 🐄 🦌

If you’re a human—with choice, intention, and self-reflection?

What exactly is the habit loop doing for you?

Where’s the plan? The data collection? The analysis?

Where’s the mechanism to strengthen the habit’s automaticity over time?

Anyone? Bueller?

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That’s the awkward part.

The Scientific Method: Step by Step

Observation – Identify a problem or ask a question.

Hypothesis – Predict a possible explanation or outcome.

Experiment – Design and perform a test to gather evidence.

Data Collection – Measure and record results.

Analysis – Evaluate the data to see what it reveals.

Conclusion / Reassessment – Confirm, revise, or reject the hypothesis and iterate.

Say it with me:

Behavior change requires behavior change.

I’m sure that sounds obvious or perhaps even stupid.

And, it’s true.

It’s a core truth you won’t find in the habit loop.

Enter: P.A.R.R.: Plan. Act. Record. Reassess.

PARR is the scientific method for behavior change.

Here’s how it works—and, dare I say, perfectly aligns with the scientific method.

🔬 P.A.R.R. Is The Scientific Method For Habit Development

1. PLAN = HypothesisYou choose a behavior and create a habit plan. You can even (optionally) align the habit to your goal.

Choose the habit you’d like to develop and track. “Writing” for instance.

Identify the Minimum Success Criteria (MSC) — e.g., "2 pages" or "20 minutes"

Select the Target Days — M/W/F or Tu/Th/Sat. Here you use the rhythm of the week by selecting “Target Days”.

This becomes your hypothesis: If I do X, Y will improve and i’ll ultimately achieve Z (goal- writing a book).

2. ACT = Experiment

You act according to the plan. Here’s the great news, even if you miss a “Target Day” you’re now gathering data AND you can make it up on a Non-Target Day.

3. RECORD = Track! Data Collection

Each day, mark a “1” if you did it—met your MSC, a “0” if not.Important: Add comments—what worked, what didn’t.

4. REASSESS = Analysis + Adjustment

After 4 weeks, review your results.

If you’re 85% or better (actuals vs targets) you raise the bar—increase your MSC or Target Days.

That’s how you cultivate habit strength over time—by design and successive 28-Day habit tracking periods.

That’s how you cultivate automaticity—on purpose.

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