Positive

Think about a time when you looked in the mirror and you gave yourself a pat on the back for a job well done in your life. Now that should have brought a smile to your face. You have the opportunity to make improvements on a daily basis, so treat each day with focus and intensity so that you can pat yourself on the back over and over again.

Today we will look at operant conditioning. You may be wondering what this is. This is when positive reinforcement involves the addition of a reinforcing stimulus following a behavior that makes it more likely that the behavior will occur again in the future. When a favorable outcome, event, or reward occurs after an action, that particular response or behavior will be strengthened. Sometimes positive reinforcement occurs quite naturally. For example, when you hold the door open for someone you might receive praise and a thank you. That affirmation serves as positive reinforcement and may make it more likely that you will hold the door open for people again in the future. Using positive reinforcement very deliberately in order to train and maintain a specific behavior will help accomplish tremendous things in your life.

Types of Positive Reinforcers

There are many different types of reinforcers that can be used to increase behaviors, but it is important to note that the type of reinforcer used depends on upon the individual and the situation.

• Natural reinforcers are those that occur directly as a result of the behavior. For example, a lady studies hard, she stays focused in class, and she does her homework. As a result, she gets excellent grades.

• Token reinforcers are points or tokens that are awarded for performing certain actions. These tokens can then be exchanged for something of value.

• Social reinforces involve expressing approval of a behavior, such as a teacher, parent, or employer saying or writing "Good job" or "Excellent work."

• Tangible reinforcers involve presenting actual, physical rewards such as candy, treats, toys, money, and other desired objects. While these types of rewards can be powerfully motivating, they should be used sparingly and with caution.

When used correctly, positive reinforcement can be very effective. According to a behavioral guidelines checklist published by Utah State University, positive reinforcement is most effective when it occurs immediately after the behavior. The guidelines also recommend the reinforcement should be presented enthusiastically and should occur frequently.

• The shorter the amount of time between a behavior and presenting positive reinforcement, the stronger the connection will be.

• If a long period elapses between the behavior and the reinforcement, the weaker the connection will be.

• The longer the time, the more likely it becomes that an intervening behavior might accidentally be reinforced.

Reference: Kendra Cherry, Positive Reinforcement and Operant Conditioning, Very Well Mind

It is Thursday, a great day to implement more positive rewards into your life and the lives of others. Imagine how you can help another person with a kind word or gesture. Find that person and give him/her a great experience. Shock that person and watch how he or she lights up. Make sure it is genuine and appropriate for the situation. No fake love. No fake praise. Keep it real and watch it come back to you somewhere in your life. Make It A Great Day!