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Tap Into This System for Meaningful Behavior Change (and 2 Ways to Turn It On)

Writer's picture: BeauBeau

Written by Beau, MSED, BCBA, TRLC, CCST-I, RYT 200


As a specialist in pediatric behavior, I’m here to share key insights that can help you and your young person empower, adapt, and thrive. Here’s what you need to know-


 



Behavior change relies on more than willpower.


One of the most powerful ways to create lasting change is by targeting procedural memory. This is the type of memory responsible for our automatic actions and habits, the "muscle memory" that allows us to do things without consciously thinking about them. It’s how we remember to ride a bike, type on a keyboard, or drive a familiar route without effort.




But how do we tap into this system to create meaningful behavior change? The answer lies in repetition and contextual cues.


🧠 Don't Wait, Activate 🧠

Rinse & Repeat

Identify opportunities for regular practice. This structured repetition turns conscious effort into automatic behavior. Without repetition, new behaviors remain fragile—easily forgotten or abandoned when life gets stressful. Procedural memory requires intentional practice to move behaviors from effortful to effortless.



Use Contextual Cues and Triggers

Pair the desired behavior with a consistent cue. Visual prompts, alarms, or even environmental changes (like putting running shoes by the door) act as reminders and help solidify the behavior. Over time, these cues become almost invisible as the behavior becomes automatic.



What is Repetition Anyway?



Understanding Repetition in Procedural Memory


Repetition is often misunderstood as simply “doing something over and over.” But in the context of procedural memory, repetition is much more intentional and strategic. It’s not just about frequency—it’s about consistent, meaningful practice that strengthens the brain's neural pathways, making behaviors automatic over time.




Behavior change doesn’t happen in a single moment. It happens in the small, repeated actions that turn into automatic, lifelong habits.



 






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