Title: 9 Proven Strategies to Help You Change Problematic Behaviors | Psychology Today
Headings: 9 Proven Strategies to Help You Change Problematic Behaviors
David Susman, Ph.D.
9 Proven Strategies to Help You Change Problematic Behaviors
Effective tips to reach your personal goals.

Content: You can raise your awareness through many routes such as seeking factual information about your problem, or by asking for feedback about your behavior from friends, family, or professionals. After digesting this new information, take some time to re-evaluate yourself and begin to think about the pros and cons of changing the behavior in question. article continues after advertisement
4) Arousing Emotions
Used in Contemplation, Preparation, and Action, when we mobilize our emotions along with increased awareness, we are much more likely to take effective action. Some ways to increase our emotional arousal include exposing ourselves to others with similar challenges, either in person or through relevant books or movies. You can also consider the longer-term negative consequences of not changing our behavior, vividly imagine the many positive benefits of changing, or write a brief narrative about your happy future as a changed person. 5) Helping Relationships
Useful in all stages, but primarily employed in Action and Maintenance, helping relationships or social support is vital to help you achieve your goals. With a solid support system of friends, family, professional advisors or even online groups, you can receive regular feedback and advice, have someone help hold you accountable to your stated plan, and have someone there to assist you when you are struggling or starting to have a crisis. 6) Rewarding
Primarily used in Action and Maintenance, this strategy draws from the principle of reinforcement, as behaviors which are rewarded are more likely to be continued. You can develop lots of creative ways to reward yourself for making progress toward your goals by incorporating frequent fun activities, hobbies, pleasant social interactions with family or friends, positive self-talk or celebrations into your action plan. 7) Countering
Most often used in Action and Maintenance, this catalyst looks at substituting healthy behaviors for unhealthy ones.