Psychology self-modification paper

Self-Modification Project

Step 1: Select a Goal In prior boodtests I have shown abnormally high levels of cholesterol. Considering that the side effects of high cholesterol could be detrimental to my health, I have decided to make a change in my diet. High cholesterol increases the likelihood of heart disease, clogging arteries, and many other negative effects. My goal is to avoid future chances for these health issues by making an effort to consume less dairy and incorporating more berries and antioxidant rich fruits to my daily diet. My goal for this project is to make a lifestyle change that will be beneficiary to not just my current, but future health.

Step 2: Monitor Target Behavior Although I cannot go get a blood test every week, there are tendencies that have been studied to be a side effect of high cholesterol. Side effects include sleepiness, lack of energy, headaches, excessive thirst, and many other all of which I am a victim of. Keeping track of how I am feeling physically, day by day is how I will be able to determine that there has been an effective change. Eventually towards the end of approximately one month of making this change to my diet I will get a blood test and see how my cholesterol blood levels have changed from a qualitative perspective.

Step 3: Change Setting Events In order to maintain this lifestyle change I will make an effort to change my diet. As a cheese lover, I constantly have a variety of cheeses in my refrigerator. In order to make an effective change in my diet, I will have to alter my surroundings by keeping cheeses out of my immediate reach as well as focusing on a more lean-protein such as chicken and turkey as opposed to red meats. Keeping berries and antioxidant rich fruit in reach will also be part of the process. I won't be going cold turkey and immediately restricting all red meats and cheese, however, there will be a significant decrease in my consumption of them.

Step 4: Establish Effective Consequences Every Saturday I indulge in a nice meal at a fancy restaurant. However, if throughout this process of trying to change my diet I see myself consuming too many of the things I shouldn't, the Saturday outing will be taken away. This will cause me to make sure I stay on track with my plan knowing that I will have something to look forward to as a result.

Step 5: Consolidate Gains I will ensure my gains from this processes of self modification are maintained by constantly remind myself that this is a lifestyle change. Knowing that the side effects will be detrimental to my future health will motivate me to stay on track. I know that these changes I am going to make that will decrease my cholesterol levels will improve my overall quality of life and will push me to maintain a life full of energy and peace of mind. Keeping cheese away from immediate excess and focusing on antioxidants will become routine, not just part of a project.