What is Behavior Change?

Put simply, behavior change is what it sounds like: the practice of changing people’s behavior.

Although it’s become a buzzword in recent years, behavior change is better thought of as a methodology, rather than a magic bullet solution to a given challenge. From our perspective, this means starting with a realistic understanding of how and why people behave the way they do. Traditional attempts to influence the way people act are often based on communications and awareness-raising, but one of the most important aspects of a behavior change approach is acknowledging that for most people, knowing you should do something and doing it are not the same thing.

Exploring the intricacies of human behavior necessitates delving into the realm of biology. Stanford neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky’s research has been instrumental in shedding light on the complex neurological and biological factors that shape our actions and decision-making processes. As we continue to unravel the interconnections between biology and behavior, the insights gleaned can be harnessed for fostering positive changes in behavior. Sapolsky aptly notes, “We are gaining a deeper understanding of the biological foundations of our behavior, enabling us to cultivate more favorable outcomes.”

Why is behavior change so hard?

Most of our behavior is habitual. Behaviors become automatic when repeated over time.
A good example of this is driving. When you learn to drive, it requires conscious effort to learn and remember all the right steps — “mirror, signal, maneuver,” anyone?
But as time goes on, those actions form habits.
This happens when you’ve practiced them so often that they become automatic.
Successful behavioral change is hard because our brains get stuck in fixed patterns.
But the same mechanism that fixes our problem behavior as mental habits is often the solution to changing them.

In our Communication Skills Training program, we go beyond the basics, delving into the intricacies of impactful communication. From honing verbal and non-verbal nuances to refining storytelling abilities, our program ensures that your messages not only resonate but leave a lasting and meaningful impression.

Our Behavior Change Communications Training delves deep into the psychology of influence. Designed for leaders, communicators, and dynamic teams, this program provides the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the intricate landscape of inspiring positive change.

The elements of behavior change

  • Before you start your planned stages of change, you must first understand the elements of change.
  • These are the factors that will either help or hinder you in achieving your desired behavior change.
  • Behavioral science change theory proposes different models. Each includes different elements of change.
  • However, for simplicity, we can break them down into four main ones.

1. Your willingness to change

How ready are you to change your current behavior? Are you changing for yourself or someone else?

2. The benefits of change

Awareness of the benefits of your target behavior will help you stay motivated.
It will also increase your resilience and ability to overcome setbacks.

3. Your barriers to change

Are your current circumstances preventing you from changing?
Identify any barriers to behavior change and list any possible solutions.

4. The likelihood of relapse

If you want to make lasting change, you will face obstacles and setbacks along the way.
Being aware of possible challenges will help you prepare for and overcome them.

The 6 stages of behavior change

According to the transtheoretical model of change, there are six stages of behavior change.

1. Precontemplation stage

  • At this stage, people are not yet aware of the negative behavior they need to change.
  • They don’t see their behavior as a problem and aren’t interested in getting help.
  • They may become defensive if someone pressures them to change. They also avoid speaking, reading, or thinking about it.
  • They may also absorb information about this problem from family, friends, or the media, but won’t act until they see it as problematic

2. Contemplation stage

  • At this stage, people are aware of the negative consequences or problems. But they’re not yet ready to change their unhealthy behavior.
  • They do start thinking about it, however. They know it’s necessary to change but aren’t ready.
  • They might weigh the pros and cons and whether the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term effort.
  • This stage can last a few days or an entire lifetime, depending on the individual.

3. Preparation or determination stage

  • This is the phase when a person is ready to make a change. They become committed to changing and motivated to take the necessary steps.
  • They read, talk, and gather information about the problem.
  • The preparation stage is crucial to the success of behavior change. Skipping this stage can drastically decrease your chances of success.

4. Action stage

  • At this stage, people use the strategies they learned in the previous phase to start a new, healthy behavior.
  • This takes willpower, and there is a high risk of failure and slipping back into old behavior and habits.
  • It can help to avoid external temptation and set rewards for achieving intermediate goals.
  • The support of others is also essential at this stage.

5. Maintenance stage

  • In this stage, people have made progress and realized the benefits of changing.
  • They understand that maintaining change will require effort, but they are aware of its value.
  • They create strategies to prevent relapse until the new habit becomes familiar and natural.

6. Relapse stage

  • This stage is when people slip back into their old behaviors and habits.
  • Relapsing is a normal part of the process of change.
  • The key is to identify the trigger that caused the failure and look for new and better strategies for dealing with it.
  • Bearing in mind the benefit of the change helps regain motivation when restarting the stages of change model.

How to change behavior

Now that you understand the elements of change and the six stages of behavior change, it’s time to put them into action.

Let’s look at four of the most common areas of behavior.

Nutrition

Physical activity

Medication non-adherence

Insomnia

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