Behavior Modification: How to Change Your Behavior to Accomplish Your Goals

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Behavior Modification

 Ever find yourself stuck in a negative or downward cycle? So often we can get ourselves into a rut.

Then we decide, today is the day. We are going to make a change. We likely set up lofty goals for the year or for the season. Be it to lose weight, get in shape, save money, spend more time with family or friends or find ways to get the self-care we so desperately need.  Whatever it may be the one thing that is needed for all of these changes to be enacted is behavior modification.

If we want anything new to happen in our lives we often have to make a concerted effort to change our behavior. If we want to lose weight we need to modify the types and quantity of foods we eat. If we want to save money we need to modify our spending habits.

If we want to spend time with family or friends we need to modify our time management. If we want to improve our sleep, we need to change our sleep habits and routine. You get the idea.

In theory, we all know what we need to do but often times we struggle to do so. We may be gung-ho for a couple of weeks with our plan, but after a while, we start to slip back into our old habits.

We start out on the right track with our goals but then before we know it, all of our plans have been sabotaged. Experts say it takes a minimum of 21 to a maximum of 66 days to form a new habit and for it to become automatic. So for those few weeks or so, we really have to make an effort in order to create this new positive habit in our lives.

If we can just look at it as simply something we have to do for at least 21 days perhaps it wouldn’t be such a struggle.  Most of us can manage to do something for 3 or 4 weeks, right? Once it becomes a habit, we no longer have to think about it and it becomes much easier to do or manage.

Start Today

So, why don’t we Start Today! I challenge you and myself to begin our behavior modification right now.

• Figure out the things you want to change, improve, incorporate or kick.
• Write them down.
• Share them with a friend and make yourself accountable to someone else.
• Pin your list in a place where you will see it daily to help keep yourself motivated.
• Determine what behavior you need to modify to achieve your goal and Write it Down.
• Visualize the end result of this new habit. (Ex. Picture that extra cash in your bank account. Or the scale reading 15 lbs less.)
• Re-commit to it daily.
• Visit your doctor.
• Speak with a Therapist.
• Pray for strength to stick with it.
• Forgive yourself if you slip back into old habits. If you do, just dust yourself off and begin again.

Whether you want to change or improve your mental health, physical health, financial health or anything else, you must first decide to do so.

For some of us, starting small may be the way to go. For others, go big or go home might work best. You know yourself better than anyone. Set yourself up for success and surround yourself with those who support you in your efforts.

You got this!