Seven Strategic Tactics

Question 1

Tactic 1

Answer 1

Make a list of concrete examples.

Specify behaviors and situations (settings). Example: Instead of ‘I eat too much,’ say, ‘I eat too much when I am anxious.’

Question 2

Tactic 2

Answer 2

List the details of your problem.

Identify critical details contributing to the problem. Example: Test anxiety → due to lack of preparation, kids, stress, etc.

Question 3

Tactic 3

Answer 3

Observe your behavior; don’t speculate.

Identify patterns by tracking actions. Example: Paul wanted to study more but found he was hanging out with friends instead.

Question 4

Tactic 4

Answer 4

Specify behaviors that replace desired ones.

Identify what you do instead of the desired action. Example: Not drinking enough water because of choosing soda instead.

Question 5

Tactic 5

Answer 5

Increase desired behavior.

Reframe problems as alternative actions. Example: Instead of ‘I need to stop procrastinating,’ say, ‘I need to make and check off a to-do list.’

Question 6

Tactic 6

Answer 6

Specify the chain of events leading to the goal.

Plan steps ahead of time. Example: Shop only from a list, keep only healthy snacks.

Question 7

Tactic 7

Answer 7

Observe successful people and apply their tactics.

Ask them how they achieve success. Example: ‘How do you get A’s on your papers?’