Why Behavior Is Important?

Behavior is important for several reasons. The first is the most obvious one: we engage in some behavior every single day. What daily action you decide to take will dictate what you focus on. If you are committed to the same action or series of actions every day without fail, this behavior or series of behaviors will become your habits.

Thus, habits become an important part of your life. Habits can have a profound impact on your life. For example, brushing your teeth daily is a positive habit. Doing so will develop fewer dental problems, which can have an even greater impact on your health. Subsequently, if you develop a negative habit, such as using a dangerous narcotic every day, your health will begin to deteriorate, sometimes very quickly.

Secondly, behavior is important because it will impact our thoughts and feelings. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we recognize that behavior, cognition (i.e., thoughts), and our mood state (or feelings) all influence one another. Please think of this model as a circle; change one of the three, impacting the other two.

Therefore, engaging in a positive activity, such as going for a run, will often positively impact your mood and thoughts. You might feel good due to neurotransmitters being released into the brain from the action of running. After your run, you might think to yourself: This felt good, and I enjoyed it, I am going to do it again. 

Finally, behavior allows us to accomplish goals. If you do not dedicate a certain amount of time every day to tasks that push you towards a goal, it will never be accomplished. Goal setting and attainment are impossible if you never engage in any action. Consequently, disciplined behavior developed over time, and cultivating positive habits is often the most prized form of behavior since it will allow you to attain long-term goals.

If you find yourself struggling with your behavior, contact a mental health professional familiar with CBT. Such a professional can help you develop more positive behavior.