Thoughts, Words, Behavior Modification!

Behavior modification is one of my main focuses as a life coach. In doing so, I seek to identify the thought patterns that have a tendency to hold you hostage and implement ways to help you overcome them. When one can control their thoughts one can motivate positive changes withing his or her life.

Positive thinking generates positive actions and behaviors, which can lead to a richer, happier and more productive life.

A behavior begins with a thought then it becomes a word followed by an action. In order for behavior modification or thought control to occur we must first control the thoughts that enter our minds. If great effort is made to control the thoughts they can subsequently undergo a series of positive transformations. As a result, the words you speak and the behaviors or actions you exhibit are modified. This requires a change in your outlook in life and a willingness to bring positive meaning to your life.

If your perceptions are funneled through your experiences of the past, you may not be able to distinguish between what’s real and what’s not real. Your inner critic will continue to barrage you, hanging on to those pessimistic impressions of self. You will continue to spend hours contemplating, moping around, consumed by your negative thinking. It will leave you feeling dejected, depressed, angry, tense, and stressed, as well as array of emotions you cannot explain.

The good news is that scientific research has suggested our brains are plastic. This means it is flexible, having the ability to rearrange and rewire itself to take in any new skills or learning we may experience. In other words our brains are moldable, ready for the process of behavior modification to take place. It's up to us to do the rest.

As a life coach I recognize how significant this is! If you can learn to change your thought patterns to release the negative patterns of thinking, you can eventually change the way you behave. In time as this behavior modification takes place you will be notice an automatic response in the way you live your life.

During my years of depression, drowning in my negative thoughts, there was an exercise that I practiced. This requires patience. It is not a quick-fix. It will only work if you consistently make the effort. Consider it a behavior modification exercise.

Awareness is always the first step to recovery. The following is an exercise I have personally used and frequently suggest to my clients as a life coaching technique to bring awareness to daily thought patterns and eliminate negative thinking:

I. Thought Awareness

• In your purse or pocket, carry a small pad and pen that can be easily accessed. Try to be conscious of your thoughts throughout the day, writing down each time you had a negative thought for that day. Count the number of times and write it down. Your goal is to lower that number. This is the start of the behavior modification process. Identify the ones that were directed against you, or against someone else. The thought that repeats itself most often is the thought you must first work on to eliminate.

• Begin each day on a new page and date it. You may not always remember to write it down but try to do your best.

• The next step is to eliminate your worst, negative thought.

• Each day make a conscious effort to get rid of that one negative thought you are working to eliminate. Whenever it pops into your head, fight to ignore it. Focus your attention on something to distract your thought. Do that for a few days, weeks. After a while you will notice the number of negative thoughts getting lower. Once you’ve eliminated the worse thought, continue to the next. Consistently perform this exercise to truly see the behavior modification occurring in your life.

II. Meditation & Yoga

• A great way to unclutter your mind is through meditation and yoga. Find a class in your area and give it a try. The focus is on the breathing, allowing you to bring your thoughts back in focus whenever your mind wanders. I found it to be a great way to clear the mind of unnecessary junk.

III. Book

• Always have a good book available to read. Replace the negative thought with interesting information and stimulation.

IV. Physical Exercise

• This is a must. Review the section on physical fitness.

V. Biofeedback

• This is a treatment technique that uses physiological signals and feedback from the individual to identify problematic areas and determine a treatment plan. The biofeedback therapist has highly specialized equipment and training to examine internal functions such as negative thought patterns. This technique provides the opportunity to interact with your physiological functions and make the necessary behavior modification. The biofeedback therapist can assist you in recognizing your thought patterns and changing them. Again, this is not a quick-fix and requires patience in order to see results. There are many certified biofeedback therapists available in your area.

VI. Prayer

• You can trust the in the power of prayer to transform your thoughts and actions.

VI. Self-Talk

• You can trust the in the power of positive self-talk. When negative thoughts enter your mind talk to yourself as if talking to a negative friend. Inject positive statements to counter the negativity. For example, when you feel jealous about what someone may may have, remind yourself of all the wonderful things you are blessed with. Or if you doubt yourself because the inner critic is relentless, remind yourself of all your wonderful talents or the great things you have accomplished in your life. On a daily basis talk to yourself reminding you of all the great things about you. For more on positive self-talk please click here.

  Begin your behavior modification today!

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