Rule Out the Physical Barriers FIRST 

Before we tackle establishing new behaviors, we must rule out physical things that might block our efforts. Many factors impact our options on how to take action toward goals. The fact that we operate in a physical, three-dimensional world, with causes and effects that are outside our control, is one of the most significant. To level up performance it’s imperative to account for things that might hinder us, and physical blocks are first on the list.  

If you have a physical condition or limitation you haven’t addressed, it won’t matter how motivated you are, how many resources you have, or how big the reward, you won’t get there. Luckily, physical factors are often the easiest to resolve. Things that change your perceptions, mobility, dexterity, communication, or expression can often be handled with technological supports, therapies, or medical interventions. Correcting low vision with glasses or contacts is a good example.  

Environmental Barriers 

The next layer of potential blocks is your immediate environment. If you want top grades in school, but your work area is a room with a TV blaring and people coming and going, your ability to concentrate and retain what you are trying to learn will drop dramatically.  

The key to addressing physical environmental blocks is knowing which elements you can change on your own, which you need help to address, and which blocks you need to creatively work around because you can’t control them. Evaluating the following 4 features of any environment can help you zero in on ways to clear the path for changing your behavior;  

• Availability—When, how often, and for how long can you use the space?  

• Population—Will others be there? When? How many? Will they be doing similar activities to you, or something entirely different? How will their presence affect the space and your use of it? 

• Tone—What feeling or vibe does the location offer? Is that adjustable? By whom? Consider temperature, visual impact, sense of spaciousness, natural or artificial light, sounds, music, voices.  

• User compatibility—Do you feel comfortable, safe, at ease? Is it decorated or appointed to your taste? Does it provide the supplies or materials you need? Is it ergonomically suitable to your body? Can you set up your materials, supplies, or technology for maximum productivity? Does it work with the activities you’ll be doing? 

The list helps you see what you can control or change directly and what you might need support to improve. The most difficult is the workaround for things you don’t control. For example, a noisy space may completely block your concentration. Locations that are too dark or light may mean you can’t stay in them very long. Some people need variety and change to stay focused. There is a relationship between the features of the environment outside yourself and your own physical experience. Most human beings can adapt to circumstances that aren’t ideal for the short term. However, updating your behavior to improve your performance is easier and faster if you can remove such barriers from the start.  

First, list the things you can change yourself and change them. If it’s moving the furniture around, replacing a burnt-out light, or replenishing the supply closet, get it done. Next, ask for help with the things you can’t tackle solo. Be strategic. You won’t be able to do everything you think of so choose well. Recruit people who care about your success and explain the project to them. Then, DO IT.  

Finally, for circumstances outside your power to change, gas up your creativity. Do you need an entirely different solution? Don’t be afraid to go back to the idea board. Lean into your community. Ask everyone you know, and everyone they know, for ideas and suggestions. Turn the problem upside down. If you’ve been trying to do less of something, try to do more. If you need something from someone else, try giving something instead. 

Dead Cues 

Many people understand programming their environment but aren’t aware of cues that have “died.” When you first program a space to inspire you, you’ll naturally include prompts that encourage positivity, an attitude you want to cultivate, or reminders of processes you want to embrace. This is effective, but only for a little while. What stays in your environment for longer than a few months becomes the environment itself. That means your mind stops noticing it at all. You unwittingly open the door to old patterns returning.  

The fix is simple. When you place an object meant to cue your best intentions, set a date to change it. Use a digital calendar and set a reminder to go off on the date you want to change it. Don’t put it on a paper list or a sticky note. Those reminders will die with it. You may not need to replace it entirely. Try it in a new spot, frame or decorate it with something eye-catching, or make multiples to create patterns. The point is make it different, new, something your brain will find surprising. Then set the next change date. An added benefit of this practice is that refreshing your environment is rewarding in itself. It also reinforces your commitment to changing. 

Next issue learn about feeding your brain problems it likes to solve.