Countering Techniques
Countering Techniques refer to the processes used to make deliberate changes in your life style in order to accomplish your new goals.
Counter thinking involves changing your thoughts in specific situations. To change your financial behavior, you may first become more aware of the 'self-talk' messages you tell yourself in situations that cause you to make financial mistakes. (Example: "It has been a long, difficult day. I don't feel like going home to cook. We'll eat at a fast food restaurant tonight.") As you become more convinced of the need to make lasting behavior changes, you will substitute more effective 'self-talk' messages to change a negative view of your circumstances into a positive view. (For example: "It has been a long, difficult day.
We need to eat a healthy, inexpensive meal and I can make a quick soup and sandwich supper that won't take too long or create many dirty dishes.") For an example of negative and positive 'self-talk' messages about savings, click here.
Countering Activities are physical behaviors you substitute for the old behaviors that you found to be unproductive.
Example: Go visit a supportive friend when tempted to go to the mall and buy things.
