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Life · Guided lesson

Choose one observable behavior

About 15 minutes
Work at your own pace. Optional videos take extra time.
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Before you begin

The idea in everyday life

Translate a broad outcome into one repeated action within your control.

The idea

Outcomes are destinations; habits are the recurring steps that can move you there.

Try it

One step at a time.

Use the sample or information you have permission to use. Keep your work as you go. You can pause between steps.

  1. 1

    Name the desired result and list behaviors that could plausibly influence it.

  2. 2

    Choose one action you can see or count, performed in a known context, with a reasonable evidence link to the goal.

  3. 3

    Define exactly what starts and completes one repetition.

  4. 4

    Check whether the behavior conflicts with medical advice, safety, relationships, work rules, or essential recovery.

Example

See how it works.

Devin changes “read more” into “open the current book and read one page after placing the breakfast dish in the sink.”

Check your work

Did you cover these?

  • Your work includes a one-page outcome-to-behavior map and a precise completion definition for one habit.
  • Check this common mistake: Selecting an outcome such as lose weight, become organized, or feel confident and tracking it as if it were an action.
  • Two people would agree whether a repetition occurred without interpreting your motivation or mood.
Your work

What to finish

A one-page outcome-to-behavior map and a precise completion definition for one habit.

Common mistake

Watch for this

Selecting an outcome such as lose weight, become organized, or feel confident and tracking it as if it were an action.

How can I tell I understand it?

Two people would agree whether a repetition occurred without interpreting your motivation or mood.

Try 3 questions

Quick knowledge check

Answer all 3 questions. Get at least 2 right and the lesson completes automatically.

Not yet passed

You’ll get an explanation for each answer. Signed in? Your results save to your account.

1Which step is part of “Choose one observable behavior”?
2What should you have made by the end of this lesson?
3Which mistake should you watch for in this lesson?
0 of 3 answeredApply the lesson to a short question, then review the explanation.
1
Finish this lesson

Pass the check. We’ll save the progress.

Answer all 3 questions above and get at least 2 right. You can review the explanations and try again.

Go to the knowledge check
Optional course overview video
Stanford UniversityBuilding Lasting HabitsYouTube
Optional course overview

Building Lasting Habits

From Stanford University. Watch here or open it on YouTube .

Watch for an idea you can use in the practice below. You can pause or skip this optional overview.
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