Observe others
And what better way to find out how to increase positive behavior than by observing others? There is immense value in observing people who are good at what you want to be good at. And I mean it the way it sounds: Creepy people-watchin’.
A few months ago, I had set up post at my local gym and had finally gotten into a healthy rhythm of weight-lifting, but there were lots of new machines and intimidating exercises I had yet to try, and I was daunted by the thought.
Enter Supacoolgirl. Supacoolgirl was a pro. She was a champion. I watched her for weeks all stalker-like through the breaks in the weight machines, watched her excellent form, determination, and resiliency. I knew I had to talk to her to become better. When I did, I asked her specifics, ways to increase my abilities and confidence in the weight room. She helped me break through a barrier of change that I had thought was impossible.
It’s amazing what can happen when we observe the actions of those around us who are successful at any given task. We see how people are good listeners, how they are good at exercising. We see the patient parents, the motivated friends, the compassionate neighbors. And to think, all we have to do is watch.
