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Behavioral Alchemy: The Art & Science of Lasting Change

  • drsuzbaxter
  • Apr 3
  • 3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Behavioral Alchemy: The Art & Science of Lasting Change


Changing behavior isn’t just about willpower—it’s about understanding why we do what we do and using science-backed strategies to make the right choices feel easier. Whether you’re looking to build better training habits, improve consistency, or break old patterns, the right coaching approach can help you transform your behaviors for good.


I don’t just give my clients a plan—I guide them through the process of behavior change, helping them navigate the mental, emotional, and environmental factors that make or break progress.


Why Behavior Change Matters in Training


Most people know what they should do—eat better, train consistently, recover properly—but struggle to actually do it. That’s because lasting change isn’t just about knowing the right information; it’s about:

• Rewiring habits

• Overcoming resistance

• Designing an environment for success

The Science of Habit Formation


The most effective way to create lasting change is to understand how habits work. Every habit follows a loop:

1. Trigger → What cues the behavior? (e.g., waking up, stress, environment)

2. Routine → The behavior itself (e.g., going to the gym, skipping a workout)

3. Reward → The feeling or outcome reinforcing the behavior (e.g., endorphins, progress, guilt relief)


By identifying these patterns, we can intentionally design habits that stick.


How I Help Clients Build Lasting Habits


1. Identifying Triggers

We uncover what sparks the behaviors you want to change—whether it’s stress eating, skipping workouts, or losing motivation. Once we identify the triggers, we can reshape your response.


2. Establishing Routines That Stick

Motivation is unreliable—so we create routines that don’t require motivation. Instead of saying, “I’ll work out when I feel motivated,” we anchor workouts to existing habits (e.g., training right after work, morning movement before breakfast).


3. Leveraging Rewards

The brain seeks rewards—so we make progress feel good. Small wins, visual tracking, and immediate rewards (e.g., post-workout endorphins) keep you coming back for more.


Environmental Design: Setting Yourself Up for Success


Behavior isn’t just about internal willpower—your environment plays a massive role. We optimize your surroundings to make the right choices feel easier and automatic.

• Want to eat better? Keep healthy snacks visible & junk food out of sight.

• Struggling to get to the gym? Set your workout clothes out the night before.

• Need to improve recovery? Set a reminder to stretch before bed.


These small environmental shifts make the difference between struggling and thriving.


Red Flags That Sabotage Progress


Certain thought patterns can derail even the best plans. Here are some warning signs I help clients navigate:


1. All-or-Nothing Thinking

• “If I can’t do a full workout, I won’t train at all.”

• “I ate something unhealthy, so the whole day is ruined.”

• Instead: Focus on progress, not perfection. Small steps still move you forward.


2. Relying on Motivation Alone

• Motivation is temporary—you need systems and habits that work even when you don’t feel like it.


3. Ignoring the Mental Side of Change

• Many people assume they just need a better plan, when in reality, they need a better mindset and strategy.


How I Guide Clients Through Behavior Change


When you train with me, I don’t just give you workouts—I help you:


✅ Rewire your habits for long-term success

✅ Overcome mental roadblocks stopping you from progressing

✅ Design a lifestyle that supports your goals, effortlessly


Whether you’re struggling with consistency, motivation, or breaking old habits, I help you simplify the process, so results come with less effort over time.


Final Thoughts: The Key to Lasting Change


Transformation isn’t just about training harder—it’s about training smarter. By using behavioral science, we make progress feel natural, so you don’t have to rely on willpower alone.


If you’re ready to stop fighting against yourself and start building sustainable habits that get real results, let’s work together.

 
 
 

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