Why is Behavior Change so Difficult?

Diane Carbo

24 Sep 2023 — 8 min read

Behavior change is a complex process

Why is behavior change so difficult? This question has puzzled psychologists, sociologists, and anthropologists for centuries. After all, if we know that certain behaviors have negative impacts on our health, relationships, or other aspects of life, why can’t we just change those behaviors? It turns out, it’s not so simple.

Behavior change is a complex process that involves more than just making a decision to do something differently. It requires understanding the psychological mechanisms that drive us to repeat certain behaviors and developing strategies for overcoming the potential barriers to change. In this guide, we will explore why behavior change is so difficult, what some of the most common barriers are, and how we can use different strategies and tools to help ourselves make successful changes.

The Science Behind Why Behavior Change Is Difficult

Changing behavior isn't as easy as it sounds. Everyone has experienced wanting to change a habit, but finding it difficult to stick with it. But why is this? Is there something unique about the psychology of behavior change that makes it so hard?

It turns out that there is a lot of scientific research looking into the difficulty of behavior change. Many experts have found that behavior change is hard, not only because of personal motivations, but also because of external and environmental factors.

One major factor that makes behavior change difficult is the power of habits. Habits are formed when behaviors become so routine that they occur to us automatically, without us having to think about them. Established habits can be difficult to break because they become so deeply ingrained in our minds.

Another challenge that people face when trying to change their behavior is the power of inertia. This is the tendency for us to stay with the status quo, even if that means not changing our behavior. We tend to stick with what is familiar and comfortable, even when it might not be in our best interests.

External and environmental factors can also make behavior change difficult. These can include a lack of support from family or friends, an inaccessible environment, or a lack of resources. When those around us don't support our attempts to change, or when our environment is not conducive to making the changes we need to, it can be difficult to stay motivated.

These are just some of the psychological factors that make behavior change so difficult. Other factors such as motivation, willpower, and self-discipline all play a role as well.

Overview of Barriers to Behavior Change

Changing behavior can be difficult for many people, due to a variety of barriers that prevent them from achieving success. Some of the most common barriers to behavior change include a lack of motivation or willpower, a fear of failure or rejection, and difficulty setting realistic goals. Additionally, an individual’s environment and the influence of family and friends can play a role in how difficult changing behavior may be.

Motivation is the driving force behind any behavior change, but it can be difficult to find the motivation to make lasting change. Without proper motivation, an individual can become easily discouraged and give up on their goal. Additionally, when individuals have a fear of failure or rejection, they can become overwhelmed by the thought of not being able to accomplish their goal. This fear can cause people to give up before they even begin to make tangible progress.

Setting realistic goals is also an important factor in achieving behavior change. It is essential to set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely) goals that are tailored to your individual needs. If the goals are too challenging or too easy, it may make it more difficult to achieve success. Lastly, family and friends can be both helpful and unhelpful influences when it comes to making behavior change. Their support can be an invaluable resource, yet their disapproval or criticism can also be a hindrance.

Strategies to Overcome the Barriers to Behavior Change

Changing behaviors isn’t easy. There are often many barriers preventing us from making this change. But with the right strategies, we can make lasting changes and improve our lives. Here are some tips to help you break through those barriers and successfully make a behavioral change.

Identify Your Goals: Before embarking on your behavior change journey, you must first identify your goals. Ask yourself what behaviors you want to change and why you want to change them. When identifying your goals, be sure to make them specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.
Break Down Your Goals into Small Steps: While it might seem simple to just “change your behavior”, it’s actually much easier to break down this goal into several smaller, more manageable steps. This will help you stay focused and motivated as you move towards your goal.
Replace Unhealthy Behaviors with Healthy Ones: If you’re trying to break a bad habit, it’s important to replace it with a healthier behavior. For example, if you’re trying to quit smoking, find something else to do with your hands. Or, if you’re trying to stop eating junk food, replace it with healthier snacks.
Keep Yourself Accountable: Make sure you hold yourself accountable for your actions. Tell a friend or family member about your goals and ask them to check in with you periodically. Consider joining an accountability group or keeping a journal of your progress.
Take Time for Self-Care: Making a behavior change can be stressful and it’s important to take time for yourself. Take breaks throughout the day and engage in activities that bring you joy. Exercise, meditate, or do something creative — whatever works best for you.
Seek Help If Necessary: If you’re struggling to make a behavior change or your efforts aren’t working, seek the help of a professional. A mental health provider or therapist can help you better understand why you may be struggling with behavior change and offer strategies for overcoming those barriers.

By implementing these strategies, you can overcome obstacles to behavior change and work towards reaching your goals. Remember, it takes consistency and resilience to make lasting changes, but with hard work and dedication, you can create positive, lasting changes that can improve your life.

Self-Help Tools for Behavior Change

Making meaningful lifestyle changes can be difficult, and it is important to have the right tools at your disposal in order to achieve lasting behavior change. Self-help tools can provide guidance and support while you work to make positive changes in your life. Here are some of the most common self-help tools available to help you achieve behavior change:

Goal-setting: Setting achievable goals is an essential part of creating lasting behavior change. Goals should be specific, realistic, and measurable, and can be used to track progress and motivate you to continue working towards your goals.
Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and experiences can be helpful in understanding why certain behaviors occur and what triggers might be causing them. Journaling can help uncover feelings and patterns that may be preventing successful behavior change.
Relaxation Techniques: Stress can be a major barrier to behavior change, so learning ways to relax and reduce stress is essential. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga are all great ways to reduce stress levels and focus on making positive changes.
Support Groups: Connecting with others who share similar goals and struggles can be beneficial in making behavior changes. Joining a support group or finding an online community can help increase motivation and provide a safe space to discuss progress.
Online/Phone Apps: Technology can be a valuable tool when working to make lifestyle changes. There are numerous apps available that provide reminders, track progress, offer cognitive and emotional support, and give encouragement as you work to make changes.

Using self-help tools can be a great way to stay motivated and on track as you work towards lasting behavior change. However, it is important to find the right tools that work best for you and your lifestyle.

Practical Steps to Take for Successful Behavior Change

Changing behavior can be challenging, and it often requires consistent effort and dedication. Though the process may seem overwhelming, there are steps you can take to ensure that you have the best chance of success. Here are some practical steps to follow when attempting to change a behavior:

Identify your goal - Start by deciding what behavior you want to change. Make sure that your goal is attainable and measurable.
Develop a strategy - Figure out what steps you need to take to reach your goal. Consider any potential obstacles or challenges you may face during the journey.
Get support - Ask friends and family for support while trying to make a change. Having someone to talk to and discuss strategies with can be invaluable.
Stay motivated - Track your progress and celebrate each victory along the way. Reward yourself for reaching milestones, and don’t forget to stay positive throughout the journey.
Be prepared - Anticipate challenges and plan ahead. Have strategies in place before challenging moments arise, so that you can stay on track.
Utilize resources - Seek out helpful books, classes, or counselors that specialize in behavior change.

When attempting to change a behavior, it is important to remember that progress will not happen overnight. There may be times when setbacks occur and progress seems slow. However, with dedication and perseverance, successful behavior change is attainable.

How Technology Can Help Achieve Behavior Change

Technology has revolutionized many aspects of our lives, and it can be used to help us achieve our goals when it comes to behavior change. From apps that track progress and monitor goals to virtual coaches that help keep one motivated, there are a myriad of ways technology can support an individual’s efforts to change their behaviors.

One of the most common ways in which technology can be used to help with behavior change is via smart technology devices. Smart watches, fitness trackers, and other wearable technology can be used to monitor activity levels, daily steps or calories burned. This data can then be used to inform behavior changes that may be needed to achieve set goals.

Another way technology can be used to support behavior change is through the use of mobile applications. There are numerous phone and tablet apps available that are specifically designed to help people change their behavior. Apps can provide reminders or incentives for pursuing goals, offer step-by-step instructions for completing tasks, and track progress along the way.

Technology can also be used to connect individuals with resources or experts who can offer guidance and advice. Online forums, group video calls, and virtual coaching are just a few of the ways technology can be used to provide access to people who can help with behavior change.

Finally, technology can help by providing motivation and encouragement. For example, web-based goal tracking tools may allow individuals to share their progress with friends, family, or online communities. These communities can then provide support and praise for positive progress towards behavior change.

Overall, there are a number of ways technology can be used as a tool to assist with achieving desired behavior change. By utilizing the data and resources provided by technology, an individual can gain increased confidence in their ability to succeed in making lasting changes.

Behavior change is a complex process and can be difficult to achieve. It requires dedication, commitment and the willingness to make changes in one's life. Everyone's journey to behavior change is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. In order to facilitate successful behavior change, it is important to understand the barriers that may be preventing progress as well as the self-help tools and strategies that can be used to overcome these obstacles. It is also essential to create a plan and take practical steps to ensure success. Technology can also be an invaluable tool for supporting behavior change and helping individuals reach their goals.

As with any life change, it is important to keep an open mind and be willing to adjust one's expectations. There will likely be ups and downs along the path to behavior change, and it is important to remain patient and be kind to oneself. With persistence, dedication and the use of helpful strategies and tools, successful behavior change is possible.