We literally have to talk our brains into changing our behaviors!
There is tremendous power in the act of speaking. To hear oneself say the words and phrases that either directly reflect or indirectly represent the new learning is a powerful change tactic.
Words affect our thoughts, which in turn affect our beliefs and our behaviors.
Thoughts run through our minds all the time. By consciously verbalizing (speaking aloud) we interrupt and take control of our thoughts in a way that is supportive to the change we desire. When verbalizing we are teaching our subconscious self to affect our conscious self. It is the basis for the widespread use of affirmations and declarations by change gurus across the globe.
Early twentieth century writer and metaphysicist Florence Scovel Shinn stated, “We cannot always control our thoughts, but we can control our words, and repetition impresses the subconscious, and we are then master of the situation.” When you apply this concept to learning and to what we now know about the brain, it means that we can use verbalization to take control of the neural pathway construction of the brain. For centuries many knew that this worked, but now through science we understand how it works. Verbalization with repetition is however only one step in making lasting change.
Visualization is another key step. Yes, people have different learning styles, but an individual also has different ways of capturing and retaining new information. Creating a mental picture of the new learning, in a context that is relevant to the learner, is an effective way to reinforce change. In fact, verbalization and visualization trigger and support one another. Together they help to keep the new neural pathway open.
Having a strong conviction, belief or faith in the change is another step. If the learner doesn’t believe what he or she has learned or believe in his or her ability to change, it will be extremely difficult to adopt the new learning or behavior. If you’re in doubt, try saying and visualizing that two plus two equals three. There is a sub-component to the belief step and that is being motivated to change or acquire the new learning. Ideally, this motivation should be both external (the environment) and internal (the state of mind) to the learner.
Lastly, action is required for transformational change. It is important to put the new learning or changed behavior. into play, in order to solidify what has been verbalized, visualized and believed. The incorporation of activity rounds out the process.
What is curious from an effectiveness standpoint is that the action can be real or merely “perceived as real” to support the transformation. For example, when treating his patients with obsessive compulsive disorder, Dr. Schwartz has them “act” as though they have already changed; this is part of his revolutionary brain change formula. World renowned success trainer T. Harv Eker encourages exercises where participants “act” as though they have already acquired wealth as part of their training to become wealthy. Florence Scovel Shinn writes, “… only active faith impresses the subconscious, and unless you impress the subconscious, there are no results.” These are three experts, from three different disciplines, who advocate the need for action to fulfill the change process.
In our perpetually busy brains, we require a method of keeping new information top of mind and keeping the new by-pass road in view and in use. The order and impact attached to each of the four change components varies depending on the background of the expert you ask. However, in one order or the other, verbalization, visualization, strong conviction and action play essential roles in transformational change. Each affect the creation and maintenance of the new by-pass road to change until that by-pass road becomes the highway to the desired outcome. It’s a four-part process to keeping the “aha” that learning and organizational professionals work so hard to create.
Gillian Williams McClean is a specialist in transformational change. You can check out her website at Sayings of Success.