My behavior changed drastically- it went from doing just a few walks during a week, to a full five per week workout schedule. Even though I have skipped a day or two per week lately I still haven been consistent. I had no idea in beginning that such a program would have such a profound effect on my behavior.
Some things worked and others did not. The use of The Daily Show as a reward mechanism failed because it was difficult to keep mysefl in check. At times I wouln't do anything, no running, no weightlifting and I would still allow myself to watch it. So I eventually stopped using it. Another thing that didn't work is the journal; the journal itself was not a bad idea, but I couldn't get myself to use it throughtout and so I abondoned this aspect of the plan as well.
By merely thinking about changing the targeted behavior I managed to actually change it. I believe this part of the program, even if not intended, had the greatest impact on the behavior. The program itself, which during the last few weeks lacked rewards since it relied mainly on punishments, did affect the behavior but not as much as the mindset of focusing on the behavior. I don't know how to put this in any quantifiable way but I am sure this is so.
For these changes to be long-term I would actually have to continue using the program, which I will, except for the postings on the blog which have become a burden lately. The program itself allows me to focus just enough energy on changing the behavior without having to drain the energy spent on schoolwork and club activities, which I tend to increase, since I need them.
The most challenging aspect of this assignment turned out to be the actual schoolwork that came along with it. The blog, the comments and the constant keeping up with the deadlines. argh.
The most interesting aspect of the assingment....hmm...??? I don't know the answer to this question. Adieu everyone./
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7 comments:
I agree with you that keeping up with the blog was the most challenging aspect of this assignment. However, it was fun reading the change you went through.
Have a good one. =]
Hey Jose!
I also agree with you on the keeping up with the blogs thing argh! Well overall, you learned what works for you and what doesn't to help you to keep working out. I enjoyed reading how your whole process of thing blog thing was. It is hard to do this and still have other school stuff, but congrats on keeping up with this! Good luck on succeeding and changing this behavior!
Good job on changing your habits! I agree that the heightened awareness is probably what had the biggest impact. We usually do not keep track of all of our habits- we're too busy living to analyze how we could be living better! But by watching ourselves and focusing on one or two particular things, we have a much better chance of improving. Good luck in the future!
HURRAY! *insert fireworks* can you hear the cheers!? hahaha! well its really good that you successfully managed to change your behavior! And you really shouldn't even worry about the couple of days that you don't. In aerobics last semester our instructor told us that as long as you don't keep from working out for 3 days in a row you are good :)It is good that you got rid of all the things you realized didn't work...ahaha especially Stewart....its not your fault, his allure is too much! But you took initiative and changed it so that it did work better. XD Even though it was hard you still kept the mind set to keep going and just a change in mind can help a lot! ha ha even the really hard things (like commenting and blogging) you stayed on top of, so you should be really proud! Its been fun reading your blog! Just keep up the good work and wish you the best always! Good luck on the rest of your semester!
Jose,
I also agree that keeping up with the blog was the most challenging thing in this assignment. I also put this answer for the most challenging thing in this assignment.
Well, at least u have successfully changed your habit.
Keep up a good work ! =)
I would say the same for me, that some parts of the program weren't quite as effective as the others because it is hard to control oneself. However, I think you did an awesome job. Your results are amazing, I might just use your program to make myself workout also because, sadly, I don't walk/workout at ALL during the week (except at school lol). Well, I hope you stay consistent with the workouts!
Hi Jose, I found the same conclusion. It was not really the punishments/rewards that worked; it was the focusing in on the behavior. Glad things worked out for you as well. Congrats! Lisa
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