Life Law #3 People Do What Works Source: Life Strategies for Teens by Jay McGraw

“All men should strive to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why.” -James Thurber

The Payoff People “do what works” for the payoff. A payoff is the reward for the behavior. Examples: Behavior Payoff(s) Kissing up to teachers Hope of higher grades Underage drinking Fulfills need to fit in Drug use A temporary high Straight A’s Better chance at college Female teen having sex Hopes boyfriend will love her Homeless begging for money Will eat another day

Quick - Write In your notes, list 5 reasons why bullies pick on others. Why Bullies Pick on Others: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Quick - Write Now place a star, or stars, next to the payoff(s) for bullying. Why Bullies Pick on Others: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Quick - Write In your notes, list 5 reasons why students go to college Why Bullies Pick on Others: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Why Students Go To College: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Quick - Write Now place a star, or stars, next to the payoff(s) for going to college Why Bullies Pick on Others: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Why Students Go To College: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Payoff Matching Game

Putting Life Law #3 Into Action If you are continually doing something that you don’t like, you are doing it for a reason. Until you figure out why you do the things that you don’t like, you will never stop doing them.

Activity Cards With a small group, take a few minutes to discuss the content on the 8 activity cards.

Silent Reading Read about people doing what works on pages 85-103 in the book entitled Life Strategies for Teens by Jay McGraw. Add to your Cornell notes any tips that are meaningful from the reading.

On Your Own