ABSTRACT
All learning happens in the present moment. Since learning, from a behavioural perspective, is all about reinforcement and punishment, we can rephrase this statement to read that when a consequence, such as a potential reinforcer or punisher, operates on a behaviour, it happens now. In order for that consequence to have an effect on subsequent behaviour, it needs to actually ``register'' (or more precisely, function) as a reinforcer or punisher. In other words, unless you are closely attending to the current consequences of your behaviour, you can remain oblivious to the fact that certain actions are routinely punished or routinely reinforcedÐthat some things you do are effective in the moment, and some are ineffective. When you remain oblivious to these consequences, no learning occurs. A person in this situation is doomed to make the same mistakes repeatedly. Attending more closely to the present moment is one antidote to the situation. If you can more closely track how effectively or ineffectively you are behaving in the moment, you are in a much better position to change your behaviour, and, indeed, may be more motivated to do so as well.
