Empower the Progress

As we continue to move through the first month of a new year we may still be seeking change and growth. 

A couple of weeks ago we talked about setting a word to focus on for the year.

This week I want to explore the idea of changing behavior rather than focusing on an outcome when considering setting a goal.

When goal setting our brains need action-oriented change.

Adam Grant recently shared, in a social media post, that there have been 27 studies conducted regarding behavior change goals verse outcome goals. These studies have found that behavior change goals are 3x more effective than outcome goals. 

When we alter our actions, we grow.

Let's stop for a minute and see a couple of examples of outcome goals and behavior change goals.

Self:

Outcome Goal: Lose 5 pounds by February

Behavior Change: Work out 3-5 times a week. Each more fruit and vegetables. 

Student:

Outcome Goal: Students sits in seat

Behavior Change: Reduce times out of seat, fewer times up each day. Raise hand to get up.

The outcome focuses on the results we want to see. The behavior change gives us a process toward progress.

Studies have shown that when we set an outcome goal our brains do not have control of the situation. The outcome will either happen or it will not.

When we focus on behavior change we give our brains an action, control, and a path to follow.

Our brains love control. Behavior change goals give our brains that control. This control empowers us. When we feel empowered we are more likely to have success with our behavior change and will reach our goal.

When we set outcome goals we lose motivation when we do not see the outcome. That 5 pounds by February doesn't happen and we begin to lose motivation and the effort slips. 

On the flip side, we set a goal to work out 3-5 times a week and eat better and we are able to see our weekly progress. One week its three days and the next five. We make sure to add a fruit or vegetable to every meal. We feel positive, motivated, and we continue because we are doing it.

Helping a student keep track of times out of a seat. Having them track and see that they are reducing the amount. This will become the motivator for them to keep going and working each day. If they only see that they did not reach the outcome of staying in their seat, they will begin to feel defeated when they are unable to complete this task. They will think, "I didn't do it today, why try tomorrow." However, if they see the number of times out of seat go down and the times they raised their hand go up they will feel empowered by success.

Can you think of an outcome goal you could turn into a behavior change? One for yourself. One for a student in need of help with making positive changes. 

We can use this new year to find small changes to have big successes. Small daily behavior changes to help move us forward toward success.