Talk about our behavior change goals is almost as non-existent as talk about our religious practices. Do we feel that we have to hide our behavior change goals? Do we feel that we have to hide our faith practices? For some people, faith and behavior might seem separate topics. Talk that connects the science of behavior change to our religious practices is limited. Why do we keep faith and behavior quiet?
Our religion is very close to us so it’s sometimes difficult to share it with others, because we are certain that others wouldn’t understand. It’s easier to stay quiet.
We tend to view our behavior in this same manner. Therefore, very few people know what we are working to change in ourselves and we want to keep it that way.
Sharing is risky
Why do we not share what we are working on in ourselves? Could it be that we are worried that, similar to telling others of our religious beliefs, we might be viewed as weak? Or that we might be misunderstood?
3 thoughts that prevent us from sharing our behavior change journey with others:
1) People will judge me based on what I am currently working to change. We are afraid that people will say or think things like, “You’re still working on that?” or “How can someone like you struggle with something like that?” Admitting that we’re not perfect can leave us feeling vulnerable.
2) If people find out that I’m working on _____ they will expect me to act like I’ve already changed that area. We fear being held accountable for a skill that we haven’t yet mastered. We don’t want people to throw our change goals in our face. “I thought you said were working on _____”.
3) If I admit that I am working on _____ maybe my boss will think I’m not a good a candidate for the promotion. Similar to fearing judgement, we can fear being viewed as incapable due to sharing what we want to improve.
There might be other reasons that we hold back what we are working on from other people. There also might be things that keep us from sharing how our faith impacts our behavior.
Faith and behavior
In an effort to open the dialogue of faith and behavior, I want to share my experience with living out my faith practices and how it affects my behavior change goals.
However, this is such a huge topic that I won’t be able to do it justice in one article. Consider this the first of articles and other possible media where I begin to discuss how my Christian faith fits into the process of behavior change.
To begin, I offer you a brief summary of how I currently see this process working in my life.
As I seek out and apply science based behavior change practices, my faith guides me to those practices that align with my faith. I am learning that my Christian faith often prepares me for some of the science based strategies. This isn’t too much of a surprise if you really think about it.
It’s my first summary statement so it will probably grow with me. Do you have a summary statement?
You can share here
I want this blog to be a safe space for people to share their behavior change goals. I also want to provide a safe space to learn how to talk about faith and behavior.
Did I miss any reasons why we don’t share our behavior change goals with the people around us?
If you think of a reason not listed, share your reason in the comments.
Behavior Challenge: Write your own summary of how you currently view the interaction of faith and behavior in your life.
Read more of my articles:
Why is Personal Growth Important?
One behavior change at a time.
