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Testing The Pavlok Behavioral Change Algorithm: Does It Really Work?

03/19/2014

in Habit Change

I wanted to take a few minutes to let you “peer behind the curtain” and see some of the cool technology we’re building at Hack The System, and my newest company, Pavlok.

Since Pavlok is all about behavioral change, the first thing we had to develop and test rigorously — even before the actual technology — was the habit change algorithm.

I’ve spent the last 3 years researching and perfecting this process, and finally, I’m ready to test it.

For the first time ever, I’ve exposed a small group of people to my “micro-habit” system inside of my Hack The Habit program. This is the very same system that will be integrated into the Pavlok device.

People are using the algorithm to make all types of incredible changes, from losing weight, to learning a new language, to writing more.

But the big question is: Does the system actually work?

Yesterday, I sent out a private survey to participants. I wanted to share some of those results with you to give you a little more insight into what we’re working on.

Enjoy!

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Question: In a few sentences, how has the Hack The Habit Program helped you so far?

A sampling of responses:

Question: Are you more motivated to accomplish your goal knowing that someone else is holding you accountable? If so, can you name a specific instance when you WERE NOT going to complete your goal, but the accountability aspect “forced” you to?

 

Some feedback:

Question: What has surprised you most about the habit change process so far?

 

Responses:

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Very interesting stuff!

My favorite response, when asked what surprised them the most, one person said, “People are lazy and picky.”

Ha!

As fun as some of these responses are, they also cut to the core of what I’m trying to do with Pavlok — create lasting change that makes peoples’ lives better.

In fact, I have an update for you about my progress and accountability that I can’t wait to share.

That’s coming Monday!

Until then, let me know in the comments if you want to be part of the next Hack The Habit group.

{ 45 comments… }

Donovan March 29, 2014 at 3:52 pm

I’m in!

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Diana March 27, 2014 at 10:12 am

sign me up! would love to be part of your alpha group. Thanks!

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Jade March 25, 2014 at 10:32 am

Hi Maneesh => I would love to help beta test your research if there’s a spot in the group still?

Would it work for improving study skills – particularly computer programming? thank you.

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Ronak March 24, 2014 at 6:23 pm

I would like to be a part of the next habit group.

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Lanita March 24, 2014 at 12:35 pm

I would like to try your system. I have recently tried a different habit forming program with mixed results and would like to see if yours helps me achieve better results

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Chris March 22, 2014 at 10:28 pm

Can’t wait to try the Pavlok! Sounds like it fits into peoples’ lives quite comfortably. I’d love to help out with future Hack the habits especially as I’ve got a whole list of them I’m working through

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Marc March 22, 2014 at 7:47 am

I definitely want in!

Although I’m curious how the device actually prompts you?
I’ve got pretty severe ADHD and my life is full of reminders that drive the people around me crazy but somehow I manage not to notice no matter how obtrusive.

Also, any chance you’re restarting get it done in 30?

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Staale March 21, 2014 at 12:20 am

I’d like to be a part of the test group.

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Ashley March 21, 2014 at 12:01 am

Fascinating! I’m new here, and I want in. Thanks!!

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Hasanain March 20, 2014 at 8:26 pm

In!

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victor March 20, 2014 at 6:45 pm

Would love to help!

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Tim Sherstyuk March 20, 2014 at 5:50 pm

Would be very cool to test this out. Definitely interested

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Naomi March 20, 2014 at 3:57 pm

I would love to be part of the next group!!!

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Shiri March 20, 2014 at 2:34 pm

I’m in!

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Jack March 20, 2014 at 1:25 pm

Cool result! Count me in.

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Lauren March 20, 2014 at 1:02 pm

I’m interested!

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Lindsay March 20, 2014 at 10:56 am

I would love to join your testing group! I have used a friend for accountability before but she ended up not participating as much as I had planned. It still made me complete the goals because I felt the need to follow through and prove I wasn’t all talk.

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Charbel Abee March 20, 2014 at 10:35 am

Hi Maneesh,
I was pleased to read that your research is concluent! I’m from Montreal Canada and I have been looking around for a while for such a product, I haven’t found any. So thanks for being there! If you need some feedback from a Canadian fellow, I would be pleased to try the product!
Thanks,
Charbel

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Doug March 20, 2014 at 10:33 am

I’m in.

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Brady March 20, 2014 at 10:27 am

I’m in.

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Diana March 20, 2014 at 10:26 am

I’m in.

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Sarah March 20, 2014 at 10:15 am

I’d like to be a part of the next testing group, sounds like something I could really benefit from!

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Ajit March 20, 2014 at 10:09 am

hi Maneesh,
i am in and would love to be part of your beta group.let me know,thanks

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Peter March 20, 2014 at 9:36 am

Thanks Maneesh… have enjoyed following your progress on developing Pavlok. I’d love to be part of your testing group.

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Franc March 20, 2014 at 9:34 am

I LOVE all stuff involving habit hacking. At the moment I’m experimenting with a lot of stuff involving Health, Productivity and Expanding My Comfort Zone and it’s tough to keep on track with all the daily habits.

I’m in for any test you need 😉

Franc

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Alison March 20, 2014 at 9:09 am

I am definitely interested!!

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Grace March 20, 2014 at 8:57 am

I would love to be part of the next group. It sounds very interesting and effective.

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Rick March 20, 2014 at 8:57 am

I need some changes in my life!

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Koorosh March 20, 2014 at 8:56 am

These are amazing results.

I would like to be part of the
testing group please

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Marlayna March 20, 2014 at 8:44 am

I would be so incredibly stoked to be in the next Hack the Habit group!

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Alice March 20, 2014 at 8:37 am

Hi, I would really like to be part of the testing group. I’ve been dealing with the issue for a while now and I think this would be an interesting take.

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Chanelle H March 20, 2014 at 8:33 am

I would love to be apart of the next group! Ever since I saw your panel at SXSW, I’ve been following your site/blog and want to be apart of the journey!

I have a few big habits I’m trying to start and it involves such a change in my lifestyle and my career that I keep scaring myself out of it. I’m hoping to be apart so I can finally experience the change I’ve been looking for.

*fingers crossed*

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Susan Munn March 20, 2014 at 8:29 am

Great ideas and such a unique way of “attacking” challenges. Would love to participate. Thanks for your sharing your creativity.

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Dave March 20, 2014 at 8:22 am

Yes – I would like to be part of the next Hack the Habit group – looks like some great results!

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Victoria March 20, 2014 at 8:16 am

I’m in!

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Joelle March 20, 2014 at 8:15 am

I’d like to be a part of the next one!

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Kedar March 20, 2014 at 7:56 am

I’d like to be a part of the next group!

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PianoManGidley March 20, 2014 at 7:51 am

What if you struggle with an identity where you feel like everyone already perceives you as a loser/failure?

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Oli March 20, 2014 at 7:26 am

What’s up, I’d love to be a part of this!

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Brady March 20, 2014 at 7:20 am

I’d like to be a part of the next Hack The Habit group!

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Dustbuster March 20, 2014 at 6:53 am

I’d like to be a part of the next one!

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Jo March 20, 2014 at 6:48 am

Wow, sounds like great results. I’d love to be part of the next group if possible. I’m in the UK so not sure if that is a good or bad thing!

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Akshay Nanavati March 20, 2014 at 6:35 am

Sounds like amazing work you are doing Maneesh. I would love to be a part of the next Hack the Habit group.

I read a lot of books on neuroscience and psychology and am always fascinated by the plasticity of the mind to break out of old patterns and create new ones. It is amazing how powerful we all are!

After I stopped running almost completely, I found a way to pick it back up and build it to the point that it is part of who I am now. Just finished my first 33 mile run 2 weeks ago 🙂 I am now in the process of ingraining more habits that will continue to move my life forward, so I am very intrigued by your process and can’t wait to learn more about it.

Thanks for all the fantastic work you are doing Maneesh!

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Kristin March 20, 2014 at 6:32 am

Yes, i would like to be part of the next hack the habit group 😀

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Alvaro March 20, 2014 at 6:24 am

Hi, I would like to know how can I access to your testing group.

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