List of Positive Behaviors

What are positive behaviors?

Positive behaviors can make someone's day. The universal language of good conduct creates an understanding atmosphere that applies to anyone, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Psychologist B.F. Skinner's 1947 work 'Superstition' in the Pigeon said that the contingency of reinforcement hinges on its temporal relation to a response, whether through a mechanical connection or mediation by another organism. Conditioning occurs when a reinforcing state of affairs is presented, even without specific attention to the organism's behavior during the presentation. 

In other words, if something good happens after you do something, your brain learns to connect them, even if you're not paying attention to how you act during it.

Think about the times when someone's positive behavior made you feel self-assured. It could be a teacher who patiently guides you through a challenging task. It's about behaving in a way that brings about positive results for you and those around you. These actions create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and understood.

Why is it essential to have and exhibit positive behaviors?

Positive behaviors play a crucial role in mental health. They act as a buffer against negativity, providing a foundation for a more positive and uplifting mindset. Incorporating positive behaviors is a teachable and learnable process, whether in the classroom, at work, or within your family. Parents often notice the impact of their actions on children—the way they respond, the language they use, and the ideas and opinions they impart.

Teaching positive behaviors is not just about focusing on the expected actions. It's about creating an environment where good behavior is desired and becomes a natural part of interacting with others. It's an effort to explain, demonstrate, and cultivate positivity in the company of friends, family, teachers, or colleagues.

So, why focus on positive behaviors? Positive behaviors are the language of respect, kindness, and understanding. They create a space where people feel confident expressing their feelings, ideas, and opinions without fear of judgment. At the same time, positive behaviors are also expected behaviors in specific environments.

What are negative behaviors?

Negative behavior encompasses various communication and conduct problems, such as hostility, narcissism, lack of accountability, rudeness, disrespect, bullying, actions undermining team motivation or business goals, and resistance to change or criticism (University of Southern California, 2023).

When people do these things constantly, it can cause problems and arguments at work or at home. Noticing and fixing these negative behaviors helps you grow personally and create a safe place.

Negative behaviors can result in a deterioration of mental health, isolation, the potential for drug addiction, criticism of others, and a negative influence on those around us (Shoreline Recovery Center, 2022). Therefore, it's best to avoid disruptive behavior and develop ways to correct it so those who engage in such behaviors learn to follow and meet behavioral expectations. An example would be to manage student behavior so that the classroom becomes a welcoming place for all students.

How does this List of Positive Behaviors work?

We all know that encouraging positive behavior is essential for personal development and a fulfilling life. This List of Positive Behaviors provides a comprehensive guide to cultivating positive habits, building self-confidence, and fostering kindness. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use this material effectively.

Step 1: Download the template

Click the download link for the list. Save the document on your device for easy access. Print it if you want a tangible one you can hand to your clients.

Step 2: Understand

Review and discuss the list with your clients. Ensure they understand the importance of positive behaviors in building self-confidence, dealing with life situations, and fostering a positive environment through the numerous examples of good behavior on the list. This is necessary for challenging behaviors that they might have that people might consider to be disruptive.

Step 3: Set behavior expectations

Teach them to identify behavior expectations for themselves and their environment. Ensure they consider how their positive behaviors align with personal and professional life expectations. Descriptions for each positive behavior are also provided to help them.

Step 4: Choose

Have them choose specific positive behaviors from the list that align with their goals and expectations. Have them consider examples of behaviors that can be incorporated into their daily life.

Step 5: Practice

Once they've selected the behaviors they should have, have them practice them in their daily routine. Have them practice patience, kindness, and honest communication with themselves to serve as building blocks for a positive environment.

Step 6: Reflect and adjust

Have them regularly reflect on their progress with their behaviors. Have them consider strategies to overcome challenges and reinforce positive habits.

Step 7: Encourage and support others

Tell them to build the motivation of influencing others to embrace positive conduct through sharing their journey. Have them consider undergoing behavior analysis therapy, a systematic approach to examining and altering observable behavior. This fosters kindness, patience, and understanding.

What are the benefits of using this List of Positive Behaviors?

Now, let's find out the perceived benefits of using this list.

1. Develops a positive attitude: This list can help teach and reinforce especially student behavior, leading to a positive attitude in a person's daily interactions, whether at school or elsewhere.
2. Facilitates learning and growth: The list assists continuous learning and personal development, allowing individuals room for improvement in various situations.
3. Enhances emotional control: Positive behaviors contribute to dynamic control, enabling a person to navigate challenges and setbacks with a more composed and resilient attitude.
4. Builds stronger relationships: Teaching and practicing positive behaviors from the list cultivates an environment where positive attitudes and beliefs prevail, strengthening relationships at school and beyond.
5. Promotes a desire for positivity: The list instills a passion for positivity, shaping an individual's belief that maintaining positive behaviors is beneficial and contributes to a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

References

Skinner, B. F. (1947). 'Superstition' in the pigeon. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 38, 168-172.

Shoreline Recovery Center. (2022, July 25). 10 consequences of negative behavior. https://www.shorelinerecoverycenter.com/10-consequences-of-negative-behaviour/

University of Southern California. (2023, November 16). How to deal with negative behavior in the workplace. Online Master's in Communication Management | MCM Degree | USC | USC Online Communication Degree. https://communicationmgmt.usc.edu/blog/negative-behavior-work-interventions