Can, may, want — a framework by Ole Wang

Hand-drawn diagram of framework 83, Can, may, want: Fix the missing letter, not the person. — Framework 83 · in one look

How to use it

When a habit fails, check three things in order. Can I? (skill, energy, knowledge). May I? (time, place, people, tools). Do I want to, right then? (plan, emotion, habit). Fix the missing one, not the person. Most "motivation problems" are a time-and-place problem.

How sure we are

E Evidence: built from practice. What works for coaches and practitioners. Labelled that way.

S Evidence: strong. Large trials or many studies, pointing the same way.

Sources

the COM-B model, built from 19 behaviour frameworks and widely used. Its effect on outcomes is still being tested.

Not medical, legal or financial advice.

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More mind frameworks

61 SThe procrastination formulaMake it nearer, smaller, likelier, and worth it.60 PClose the loop before you switchFinish it, or write the next step. Then switch all the way.56 SDesign beats willpowerYou don't run out. You run into friction.140 SEBuild the conditions, not the feelingDon't chase flow. Set it up and let it come.15 SThe if-then planGoals don't start behaviour. Situations do.9 SJudge a habit at day 66, not day 7Missing one day didn't change the curve. Quitting does.