The biggest insight I think most people can take away from the metaphor is that it is ok to train themselves. Often people are overly optimistic in their ability to use their “will power” to change or stop a behavior at any moment they wish. “I can stop smoking any time I want,” “I will eat this treat now but I will exercise latter,” and etc. Often, the more productive method is to use type 2 process to train your elephant so less “will power” is required.
The biggest insight I think most people can take away from the metaphor is that it is ok to train themselves. Often people are overly optimistic in their ability to use their “will power” to change or stop a behavior at any moment they wish. “I can stop smoking any time I want,” “I will eat this treat now but I will exercise latter,” and etc. Often, the more productive method is to use type 2 process to train your elephant so less “will power” is required.