Replacement Behavior
In the world of Psychology, behaviorism, counseling, social work, the idea of "Replacement Behavior" is common, particularly when working with children. It's the idea of replacing an unwanted behavior. The thought is not to focus on the target or unwanted behavior but to place the focus on the behavior that replaces it. Isn't that a great concept?
Just a few days ago, my father discussed a recent sermon that he heard and highlighted the idea of "Replacement Behavior" that was mentioned in the spiritual sense. He suggested that this may be a good topic for my blog or next YouTube video. I agreed. I love it when people suggest topics and God gives me what to write or say.
I recently created a Behavior Intervention Plan for a student and in it I included replacement behaviors. Why should the focus just be on children? Shouldn't we adults be able to apply this to our daily lives in an effort to improve ourselves? Of course we should. There are many behaviors that we can adjust that will ultimately make us feel better about ourselves, be more positive and as a result be more balanced and healthy.
What does replacing behaviors have to do with our health? Well, if I'm sad all of the time, I may just want to consider replacing that attitude of "whoa is me", with more positive thinking. This will help to adjust my mindset and eventually help me to have a healthier mind. If I always react quickly in anger, I may have headaches often, high blood pressure, anxiety and the list goes on. But, what if I make a conscious decision to alter that type of behavior? I could possibly alleviate some health conditions. If I am a chronic complainer, that can mess with my mind and my spirit and eventually have an impact on my body. Constant complaining is not healthy for anyone. Those are just a few examples. We can change our eating habits, exercise habits, thinking habits, and emotional habits by replacing them with something more healthy; more positive.
What behavior will you replace? Think about focusing on one or two for a full 30 days. Begin in December. Focus your full attention on that one or two behaviors throughout the month. I'm going to continue working on not wanting to be in control all of the time. I've worked on it over the course of two months and I can say, I've gotten much better. Perfectionists, as I am, want everything to be right and right in their eyes at all times; in full control of outcomes...the " I'll do it myself mentality". That is not healthy. It causes unwanted stress and frustration that can be avoided.
Move into a place of a better and healthier you. Change the unwanted behaviors by focusing on the desired ones. Below I've listed a few examples.
Negative Talk Positive Talk
Complaining Think of something good/special
“Why Me?” “Why not me”?
Worry Pray
Becoming Angry Take Deep Breaths
Procrastination Make a priority list
Tough Decision List the pros and cons
Anxiety Meditation
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