How to Make Radical Change In... Behavior

Human Brain

Welcome to the Pillars of Radical Change Weekly Posts

The three main triggers that influence behavior

Welcome to my first post, How to Make Change In... your weekly reminder that anything is possible. 

Behavior = Human Action ( will be used interchangeably in the write-up)

This week, I am starting this first article with the domino effect towards positive radical change, Behavior.  A behavior is an action that results from a thought that starts in your brain. But the question is, how are those thoughts generated? What triggered them? To understand why positive behavior change is so difficult to make and to sustain, I started reading the book  “Behave” by Robert Sapolsky. This book illustrates that our actions are never the result of a single moment; they are the product of biological and environmental systems stretching back seconds, years, and even centuries.

Before we proceed, I want to ask you to reflect on the following question:

• What is the behavior you want to change? Have it in your mind or write it somewhere as you read the rest of this article. Now, we are going to look at what could have triggered the behavior.

Your Behavior is influenced by these main triggers.

1. Sensory Triggers: Be aware that this is the most direct access to the limbic system in the brain. The limbic system is responsible for emotions, and your sensory triggers have the most direct access to it. I am learning that the limbic system is the second level after the amygdala. Note: The amygdala makes us react quickly to situations without thinking. It is the oldest part of our brain, but because we were created so intrinsically, our brain is like a computer. The information/trigger goes to the amygdala, and if we give ourselves the right amount on time (varies per person), then the information flows to the limbic system, and if we still wait long enough to rationalize the information, this information basically will flow to the frontal cortex, where information is analyzed.  From the frontal cortex, we are now able to respond a bit more wisely to situations. Only if we give ourselves time to process - minutes, hours, or even days to respond to an event. This is our I see it:

   
   

   

   1. This is why you have to be careful about what you watch and listen to. Your eyes are really the window to the soul; access must be guarded.

   2. What did you see or hear before your behavior?

      1. Visual Sensory processes things faster than even writing

      2. Auditory

2. Hormone Triggers: Identify the times where hormonal changes can influence decision-making. This trigger is associated more with the physiological aspect. 

   1. An example of this is the stress hormone: in moments of peak stress, science has proven that releasing stress, even if it is an act of anger displacement, can produce some self-relief. But not without leaving others hurt and bearing an unforgettable mark. Important to identify positive ways to release stress that won't harm others or you.

   2. “Biological effects have psychological effects” by Dr. Amen

   3. What am I feeling in my body? Tense? Calm? Angry?

3. Environment Triggers: Past, Present, and Future surroundings

   1. What was the environment you were in before your behavior? Seconds before? Days before? Months before? Childhood?

      1. The most impactful environment as adults is our childhood 

      2. Healed or not healed, trauma will affect your present behavior 

         1. But if you are healed, you have been liberated and are free from carrying the burden of suffering.

The Road Ahead

From a system-level perspective, every action is dictated by a thought caused by one of the triggers mentioned above. “ The brain is the conduit final pass before Action” To make change happen and sustain it, you must be aware of your triggers and how these influence your decisions and behaviors. If you can truly reflect on each question under each trigger above, you will be one step closer to finding the root cause of your situation and start making positive changes in your life and organizations. The next part will take discipline to sustain the change, but that is another topic for another day.