This is the final post in our series on the common mistakes in behavior change, and what you can do about them.
Mistake #8: Focusing on abstract goals more than concrete behaviors
We come up with abstract goals for our teams, such as “Improve the guest experience!” or “Sell more high-margin items!”
Examples of concrete behaviors are:
- Ask every party if they would like an appetizer.
- Have at least one interaction with everyone on your team, every day.
- Spend 30 minutes talking with guests in the lobby every day.
If you’re serious about it, break it into concrete, measurable, achievable goals.
The Key: Abstract: Get in shape. Concrete: Walk 15 min. today
Mistake #9: Seeking to change a behavior forever, not for a short time
Let’s face it: forever is a long time.
Start by defining a time window for the behavior you want to change. Set a goal to do something everyday for a week. If it works, continue. If not, reevaluate.
It can be hard to start something knowing it will go on indefinitely. A short, intense trial period helps us focus our energy.
The Key: A fixed period works better than “forever”
Mistake #10: Assuming that behavior change is difficult
As long as you have a willingness to use the techniques shared here, you’ll be well on your way to changing your own behavior, and that of your teams.
To Recap:
- Imagine willpower doesn’t exist.
- Seek tiny successes, one after the other.
- Pay attention to environment.
- Focus on action (new behaviors), not ending old ones.
- Make behaviors easier to do (overcome motivation issues!)
- Use triggers.
- Understand that information does NOT lead to action.
- Keep it concrete, not abstract.
- Work within a fixed period of time.
The Key: Behavior change is not so hard when you have the right process
