Self-Efficacy

Simply put, self-efficacy is one’s belief that they have the ability and power within themselves to do something (most of the time this something is a behavior change)

When it comes to behavior changes or modification self-efficacy is cornerstone. After all, how can you make a change if you don’t believe that you are capable of making said change? You can’t.

As corny as it sounds, change really does start within.

The belief that we either do or don’t have in our ability to make a change will greatly predict our ability to make that change.

Those with low self-efficacy tend to blame themselves for their troubles or lack of success and believe that they lack the necessary tools/ability to be successful. For example, you find out that you did not get the job you just interviewed for. You are very upset and self-critical. You end up blaming yourself and telling yourself that you don’t have what it takes to get that job or any other job in the future.

On the other hand, those with high self-efficacy tend to blame outside factors and believe that they themselves are capable of pushing on and being successful. If we look at the job interview scenario here we would see someone who looks at the missed job opportunity as a learning experience and even more reason to try harder next time. Someone with high self-efficacy believes that something other than them or their skills prevented them from being hired and expects to succeed next time around.

The more we are able to succeed and “master tasks”, the easier it is to cultivate high self-efficacy. If we have successfully done something in the past or seen someone else in a situation similar to ours achieve something we hope to do, we are more likely to believe that we are capable of success as well.

The next time you find yourself feeling “stuck” or defeated by a barrier, remember to talk yourself through things. Ask yourself why you want X. Ask yourself what it will take to get X. Assess your “tool box” of personal abilities and strengths and create a realistic plan that can help get you where you want to be.

I am in the process of becoming a board certified health and wellness coach. Though I am not certified, I am more than happy to offer any guidance that I can to anyone struggling with health behavior changes.