Skip to main content
Coaches Corner

Effectuating Long Term Change

By September 27, 2017No Comments

We are deep within our No Complaining Challenge and the changes to date have been noticeable.  By simply bringing awareness to our negativity on a daily basis, those who want to live better happier lives have started changing their vocal language.  Sometimes we see members decide not to say anything at all.  Other times, we see members start to complain, realize what they are doing, and change their language to something more positive.

Internal awareness and external changes are step 1 and 2 of long term changes in behavior.  Step 3 takes more practice.  Step 3 is changing your internal monologue to be more positive and eliminate the negativity all together.  For example, instead of thinking about how hot it is in September and refusing to complain about it.  You begin to shift your mindset to appreciate the heat knowing that in a couple of months it will be ice cold.  To make this change within ourselves, we have to practice.  And there is a system to help us practice.

1.  Set a Trigger – the first thing you need to do to effectuate change is to set a trigger.  Add something to your life that reminds you of your goal.  For the No Complaining Challenge, this is the bracelets we are wearing.  It could be a bright colored post-it note on a door frame that you pass every day.  It could be a daily reminder in your phone.  Whatever you pick as a trigger, it has to be something you see regularly that will remind you of the change you want to make.

2.  Perform the Desired Change – in this instance, this means changing your internal language to being more appreciative.  It is impossible to be angry (negative) and grateful at the same time.  So, when you see your trigger, you need to reflect on your internal monologue.  The more time you spend reflecting on what your mind is saying, the more chances you will have to actively make a change.

3.  Give Yourself a Reward – This one is up to you, but it is the principle of positive reinforcement.  In our opinion, the gratification that comes from changing a negative thought to a positive thought is enough of a reward.  But, maybe you need more.  Maybe you get to share your change with someone, take a couple of minutes at work to relax and take a break, etc.  Whatever it takes to give you a positive reminder that you are making a change.

4.  Track Your Progress – It’s pointless to set a goal if you have no way to track your progress toward that goal.  We like the act of journaling.  Make an entry in your journal for each day.  Then, mark the number of times you changed your mindset during that day.  If you really want to get into journaling, write down your negative thought and how you changed it to be positive.  As the change becomes more effective, you will use the journal less and less because your mind will be more positive.  After a couple of weeks, you will have a clear picture in your journal of how your thoughts are progressing.

We are super excited to see our members being more mindful about voicing complaints.  For those who want to make long term changes try the above to hack your language.  We think you will notice an entirely new outlook on life.