How to Successfully Change Your Behaviour – Goals and Planning

Changing your behaviour can be extremely difficult, however, there are some ways that you can help yourself change! We want Australians to be able to access the information that can help them lead a happy life. That’s why here at Tonic Psychology we hope to give some insight on how to change for the better. Our team of psychologists are experienced in helping people change their behaviour to reach their goals.

Goals and Planning

Setting goals is a great first step to change your behaviours. It helps you clearly define your reasons for change. When change gets hard, you can look at the things you want to achieve which can help motivate you to stay on course. Goals can also help you see the good in change and align your action to what you want out of life.

Most of us have heard of SMART goals, it is a common and effective way to set up goals that keep you motivated and on track. Once you have set these goals, what is next? Planning!

A specific type of planning called if-then planning is effective in changing behaviour. The Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change says that if-then planning helps you identify situations that are usually associated with the behaviour you are trying to change and then you plan a specific response that will replace your usual response. This method is designed to overcome your habits in these situations.

The self-dialogue when conducting this type of planning should be “if this situation arises, then I will act in this way”. Identifying specific actions and behaviours ensures you are equipped to challenge your habits and change your behaviour!

Tonic Psychology Helping You Reach Your Goals

Behavioural change can be hard, and even identifying the behaviours that are inhibiting you from reaching your goals can be difficult. We have put together a team of experienced psychologists that can help you! No matter the goals you want to achieve, the Tonic Psychology team are here to help. We offer a range of services that can help you change for the better.