Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash
Do you ever feel stuck in a behavior you want to change but can’t progress? It’s easy to get frustrated when trying to change habits; I use a tool that might be useful to you: feed-forward.
Feed-forward is using feedback from past experiences to change future behavior positively. In short, it helps you focus on steps you can take moving forward rather than dwelling on past mistakes; feed-forward empowers you to improve and progress toward your desired outcomes continuously.
Here are five steps to implement feed-forward in your behavior change journey:
- Pick a Behavior You Want to Change – The first step is to identify and put a pure definition to the behavior you want to change. This could be anything from exercising to eating healthier or being more organized. Once you have identified your desired behavior change, please write it down and commit to making progress. There is something powerful about putting pen to paper when setting intentions.
- Tell Someone, Anyone – Sharing your intention with someone else can help keep you accountable and support you when needed. It could be a friend, family member, or even a coworker. Tell them what behavior you want to change and why it’s important.
- Ask Them for Two Suggestions – Ask your confidant for two specific suggestions on progressing towards your goal. Be open-minded and receptive to their feedback. No one person has cornered the market on ideas, so ask broadly.
- Listen & Take Notes -Listen carefully to their suggestions, and write them down. It’s essential to be receptive to feedback and not take it as criticism. Instead, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. If you need clarification or more information, ask them to elaborate.
- Take Action – Now is the time to take action. Start small, and gradually build on your progress. Remember to focus on what you can do moving forward rather than dwelling on the past. Celebrate your successes, and be patient with yourself.