Change is a kind of dance between external stimuli and internal motivation. The essence of changing oneself lies in various behavioral factors that drive individuals towards growth and renewal.
Exploring these aspects provides insights into the mechanics of change, from the power of direct feedback to self-discipline.
The effect of direct feedback
Direct feedback acts as an inspiration on the journey towards personal growth. A simple smiley when you’ve done what you’re supposed to, is surprisingly effective because of the dopamine it generates. Acknowledgments or constructive criticism at just the right moment creates a feedback loop that fuels improvement. They offer immediate guidance, influencing behavior and attitudes in a profound way.
Do not break the chain
Breaking away from routines and ways you’ve always done can be difficult. By counting the number of days you have succeeded, a chain and a feedback is created that gets stronger and stronger the longer you continue. If you’ve done something for 364 days straight, it takes a lot not to do it on the 365th day. Many people manage to use this to run 1.5 km per day for years but fail to run 3 km 2 times a week. They don’t want to break the chain. Stepping out of comfort zones and habitual patterns in this way encourages exploration and new learning, promoting lasting change in unexpected ways.
Measure the progress not the end result
Instead of only fixating on the end goal, which can take a long time to achieve, it becomes crucial to measure the progress instead. Incremental achievements provide encouragement and validation, reinforcing the direction of change. They act as stepping stones and shape the path towards transformation.
Social comparison for personal growth
Comparing yourself to others should not be a competition; it can be a source of inspiration. By focusing on personal development, individuals can draw motivation from the achievements of others and seek to improve themselves instead of surpassing someone else. Compete against yourself but draw inspiration from others.
Using change for increased creativity
Behavioral changes can lay the foundation for increasing your creativity. This is how this transformation can be channeled:
The power of the morning routine: Changing morning routines by introducing creative activities such as sketching, free writing, meditation or using creative methods can stimulate creativity throughout the rest of the day. Don’t forget to take the time to look at your latest creation as direct feedback.
Limit screen time: Reducing screen exposure in favor of activities like painting, reading physical books, or pursuing hobbies encourages a different mental landscape that promotes creative thinking. Check the calendar every time you manage to limit screen time to let the chain strengthen you to keep going.
Reflection time: Adopting reflective practices, such as journaling or regular moments of reflection on progress, can catalyze new perspectives and creative insights. Noticing the creative progress rather than the innovative end results provides inspiration to continue.
Have a coffee with a friend: Talking to other creative people can provide the inspiration and understanding you need to continue or take the next step in your creative development.
In summary, the catalysts for individual change are multifaceted and moving from a desire for something better to actually making it happen, goes via doing and understanding behaviours.
By understanding and harnessing these behavioral dynamics, you can navigate the path to personal development and becoming more creative.
