TOP 10 MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHEN TRYING TO MAKE CHANGES

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011 IN INSPIRATION WITH 0 COMMENTS

The other day I came across an interesting slide presentation by BJ Fogg and associates of the Persuasive Technology Lab at Stanford University. It was on the top 10 mistakes people make when trying to change behavior (see www.slideshare.net/captology/stanford-6401325). You might relate to some of them, I know I can. Here they are with my comments in italics:

Relying on willpower for long-term change. Imagine willpower doesn’t exist. That’s step 1 to a better future.
Attempting big leaps instead of baby steps. If you haven’t been exercising a 15-minute walk is more doable than a 3-hour hike!
Ignoring how environment shapes behaviors. When Little Debbie snack cakes aren’t in the house I don’t crave them; if they are…
Trying to stop old behaviors instead of creating new ones. Saying “I’m going to stop watching TV in the evening” is not nearly as effective as coming up with alternatives.
Blaming failures on lack of motivation. Solution: Make the behavior easier to do. Didn’t go for the 15-minute walk? Go for a 5-minute walk.
Underestimating the power of triggers. No behavior happens without a trigger.Example: TV food commercials. Commercials are a good time to get up and do something. Better yet turn the TV off. According to the National Weight Loss Registry those who keep their weight off watch an average of less than 10 hours of TV a week.
Believing that information leads to action. We humans aren’t so rational. Does anyone really not know that vegetables are better for you than ice cream?
Focusing on abstract goals more than concrete behaviors. Abstract: Get in shape. Concrete: Walk 15 minutes today.
Seeking to change a behavior forever, not for a short time. A fixed period works better than “forever.” Like when I use to tell myself, “I will never do that again!” after eating three Little Debbie snack cakes.
Assuming that behavior change is difficult. Behavior change is not so hard when you understand the processes needed to make the change. For a review of these processes see my blog “Willpower Alone Won’t Cut It”)

As a Behavior Health Counselor Lonnie coaches people on making healthy choices. Applying these concepts has helped Lonnie personally shed over 40 pounds, giving him a deep passion to help others know how to make the best choices.

I stole this from here…