Last week at the county fair I watched a guide dog presentation. They used “emotional treats” to encourage the desired behavior. Not only did they reward the completed action – they rewarded actions that were anywhere close.
In dog training the new behavior or skill is coaxed along with some doggie treats but mostly with encouragement and love (emotional treats). The dogs are rewarded for moving in the right direction, and ultimately they reach the targeted skill.
I think this concept would work for us! We need to give ourselves “emotional treats” and reward any movement in the right direction. Not that a belly rub will motivate me, but I do well with “Good Girl!”
This is so different than how we typically approach our own behavior change. Most of us set a goal and then are disappointed in ourselves when we don’t accomplish it immediately. Instead of celebrating progress, we are more likely to disparage our failure.
I spend a lot of my time on coaching calls pointing out the progress actually made. We wouldn’t expect a dog to suddenly know how to pick up dropped keys on command. Yet we expect ourselves to immediately be able to implement a new behavior or habit.
What would it be like to give yourself “emotional treats” as encouragements? And to give these treats for any movement in the right direction! I think instead of feeling like a chore, developing a new healthy habit would feel like a lot more fun.
Try it!
Find more nutrition information and my monthly newsletter on my website: http://healthyhabitscoach.com .
Eat well!
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