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: Tracking provides several advantages, including keeping you focused on your goal, providing tangible feedback about your progress (or lack thereof), and it’s very rewarding to see yourself moving slowly but surely in the right direction. 2) Committing
Also useful in all of the stages, committing includes becoming aware of new alternatives for positive change and then taking concrete actions to move toward those new options. You can increase your commitment by making a promise to yourself to change, and then make the even more powerful commitment of telling others who can support you about your goal. You could also join a support group with people pursuing similar goals and you can create a daily slogan or affirmations to use repeatedly to re-affirm your commitment. 3) Raising Awareness
Primarily employed in Contemplation, Preparation, and Action, this strategy involves becoming more aware of the causes and consequences of your problematic behaviors, plus learning options for resolving these behaviors. 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.