Sustaining Behavioral Change

We are entering the season of 30-day challenges, “new you” marketing and the annual influx of folks who will seek your services in the name of self-improvement and dramatic change. I was pondering the cyclical nature of this dance while pruning my Wisteria vines over the weekend and it reminded me of some gems I heard from two of our behavioral subject matter experts at IDEA World back in July. 

Is the Goal on Point? 

There is nothing inherently wrong with a solid 30-day challenge. It’s a strong way to kick off the year with positive cash flow for your business and, when done well, these programs can center your clients and give them something fun to strive for—together. But as Janine Stichter, PhD, shared in her IDEA World session “Why Behavior Change Coaching is the Future of Fitness,” these programs may not be the best for all personality types. Beware of creating a treadmill-like experience that enables an “if I do this, then I’ll be happy,” type of mentality. Fitness is a journey and evolution; it must be enjoyable to be sustained. If your challenge feels painful or makes clients feel deprived, it may have the opposite effect of your intention. Create community and connection, and make sure participants are laughing along the way.  

Dr. Stichter suggested learning the art of motivational interviewing to uncover people’s “whys.” How can we use that information to match the approach we use? Motivation is the desire to act on a goal. When we see client motivation falter, it’s often because the goal really wasn’t on point.  

Give Clients Choice Points  

The other takeaway came from Michelle Segar, PhD, MPH, MS, a well-known behavioral researcher. In her session “Kicking the Habit Habit: Why Habit Formation for Exercise Doesn’t Work and What Does,” Dr. Segar posited that the old story of behavior change is outdated, it’s too simplistic and it misguides the approach many client-trainer teams take. It gets people to start, but then they start and stop, start and stop, yet fail to sustain.  

So, how do we “stop the stop” so more clients can sustain? 

Segar says the “snafus” that interrupt our exercise habits are always going to arise. But fit pros can coach clients to think of the snafu as a choice point rather than a dead end. She suggests empowering clients to “POP” the exercise plan: Pause, Open your Options and Play with the Possibilities. Once clients understand that change happens right now versus in the future—and they grasp that they can improvise their way through it—that’s when transformation will begin. 

Behavioral change is hard because humans are complicated. Co-creating change with clients requires that you honor how complex behavior can be while also recognizing the efforts required to repattern a  lifestyle. 

As an IDEA member, you have access to vast content and resources, and we’ve curated this collection of behavioral articles, CEC courses and video content to help you sail through resolution season. Let me know what you think and please suggest other topics in this realm that might help you.  

Have a happy, safe New Year’s celebration. We look forward to serving you in 2023!