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Behavior Change: One Step at a Time

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I admit that the task of setting personal (behavioral) goals or benchmarks can be a bit daunting. I mean, why can’t people just love and appreciate us the way we are? But for your personal and professional health, identifying behaviors and setting attainable goals is life changing.

Identifying current behaviors sets a starting point from where to chart your forward progress. Without identifying current behaviors one is left in the dark about what I like to think of as, “Behavioral improvement opportunities.” This lack of insight makes it easy to fall into the bottomless pit of repeated poor behavior and discouragement. “This is the way I’ve always been and the way I will always be” thinking can cause you to dismiss how your behaviors are affecting your outcomes. Professionally and personally even a slight positive shift in behavior can bring enormous personal satisfaction and professional momentum.

It can be really difficult to know where to begin, what to do, what needs to be modified or even, what is perfect as is but you’ve been unaware it was an asset.

The following are the stages of personal change:
  1. Unconscious - Incompetent "I am unaware that I don't do this well."(Blind spot)
  2. Conscious - Incompetent"I know that I don't do this well."(Self-awareness of the need to change)
  3. Conscious - Competent "I do this well only when I think about it."(Transition from awareness to action by modeling others who do this well)
  4. Unconscious - Competent "I do this well all the time.”(Permanent behavior change — high performance by reflex)
There is never a reason to feel inferior during this process, rest assured; we all have strengths and areas needing improvement. You are not alone.

The important things to do:
  • Identify current behaviors – behavioral assessments, 360 surveys and coaching can help with this.
  • Make note of your areas of strength and your “room for improvement” behaviors.
  • Identify and clarify three actionable steps for capitalizing on your areas of strength.
  • Identify three actionable steps for modifying those areas needing improvement.
Also, please remember that behavioral change takes time, sometimes twelve to eighteen months. Don’t give up when those around you don’t immediately respond positively to the “new you!” It’s only when your new behaviors are repeated over time that others will begin to trust and accept that real and lasting change has taken place.

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.” Warren Buffett

If you would like help with this process, please contact Windridge Consulting.
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