Get To Core Of Your Behavior

The Domino Effect will turn one change into many

Years ago when I felt completely overwhelmed by life (which would be repeated in subsequent years), I learned two amazing and life-changing concepts. I decided to create great change in my life by focusing on just one area, which happened to be getting in shape. As I visualized my ideal, targeted my best energy to working out daily and eating what was good and building for my body, I lost weight and felt great.
But that wasn’t the most amazing thing I learned.
During those months of focusing on physical change, I increased my spiritual well, pulled out of our family business, was more present with my children, began public speaking a little to women and families, wrote for a local newspaper, spent more quality time connecting with my husband, and renewed friendships. To balance the new schedule I became more organized in my paper work and time mapping. My cooking interest was rekindled to meet the demand for healthy but timely eating options, and I found myself even laughing more.
The first amazing and life-changing thing I learned was this — The Domino Effect. I have seen it over and over as we coach women in their desired goals. When a woman is ripe for change, puts her best energy on one area, and sees it through to completion, she will not only achieve that goal but several other goals that weren’t even written down.
The reason for this is the second amazing and life-changing thing I learned. Core Behaviors are the one or two behaviors that, when fully completed, click all the other related behaviors into a new pattern, like falling dominoes. Whether it’s getting to bed by a certain time or learning to see the good in each situation, Core Behaviors become the catalyst for a life-changing experience. When this happens, it will inevitably lead to the Domino Effect, a whole slew of personal changes. Because of pursuing and fully achieving my one physical goal (with a focus on whole health and well-being), I achieved goals in other areas such as spiritual, emotional, relational, organizational and pursuing a passion.
In the book “The Influencer,” authors Patterson, Grenny, Maxfield, McMillan and Switzler share the following:
“And now for the big idea: A few behaviors can drive a lot of change … [look] carefully for the vital behaviors that create a cascade of chance. No matter the size of the problem … enormous influence comes from focusing on just a few vital behaviors.”
Determine which Core Behavior in your life would leverage many new changes. Dr. Phil has mentioned that simply entering his home by a different path (i.e. not through the kitchen) helped him lose weight by not seeing the donuts sitting on the counter. One woman created change by acknowledging and reversing negative self-talk. A friend of mine lost seven pounds by simply not eating at night. I’ve increased my time efficiency by following a one-word adage – straitway – so when I avoid doing something unpleasant (i.e. taxes) I see the phrase and get to it.
What is one Core Behavior that might drive your Domino Effect this year? Heather Richey found her Core Behaviors through a series of coaching sessions. First, she chose to create a blueprint of her ideal life using her values to guide her goals. Fresh from that success, she moved to the Get Organized session where she learned and applied a simple organizational formula. Using these Core Behaviors (utilizing her life vision and implementing a simple organization formula), she was able to enter and win Miss Global America, move forward a non-profit group to help children be safe from abuse, and keep her home running smoothly in the process.
This month, choose one Core Behavior that you want to make a lifestyle. Focus fully on putting it into practice and experience the Domino Effect in action.

Connie Sokol is an at-home mother and president of LIFEChange, a program to enhance women’s lives.
For more information, visit www.lifechangeprogram.com.

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