Can Behavior Change Attitude?

Yes, behavior change can absolutely impact attitude. What is attitude? Attitude is nothing more than a combination of your perspective, thoughts and a sense of control over your life. Our perspective is shaped by experiences and our emotions. Thoughts influence our point of view since many of us are constantly bombarded by thoughts daily. The more you believe how much actual control and influence you have in their life will impact your overall attitude.

Behavior is an area many of us feel like we have the most control over in our lives. The more we concentrate on it, the more positive outcomes will we have in our lives. For instance, if someone chooses to workout instead of spending an evening watching television, that person’s attitude is bound to change. Perhaps before their attitude was more negative due to their sedentary lifestyle. By creating a habit, like consistently working out their attitude is bound to become more positive.

Attitudes often develop through our interactions with our peers or some other social group. If they have a particular attitude towards something, we will share this perceptive as well. Take for instance Twelve Steps groups. These groups are highly successful because everyone there shares the exact same attitude (e.g. staying sober). They behave in a way that aligns with their shared values. So people seek out others who share their attitudes and develop similar behavior to those they admire.

Attitudes provide meaning for one’s life.  People crave a world which is consistent and relatively stable. Stability allows us to predict what is most likely going to happen, this allows people a certain sense of control, which may or may not actually exist but feels like it does. If we change our behavior to reflect a different meaning, then our attitude is going to change along with it to align with this new intent.

Finally, attitudes which are based on more direct experience are more strongly held and influence behavior more than attitudes formed indirectly, such as reading an idea in a book. Engaging in behavior that provides for direct experience, will often change one’s attitude to be more united.