Ben Franklin once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.” This statement has become cliché to many – it is simply overused. Yet we should not fail to realize the powerful truth it communicates. If we want to see positive changes in our lives we must change how we behave. The only problem is behavior modification does not equal personal growth.

Author Thomas Crane speaks about a process he calls the “result cycle.” According to him all behaviors start from personal beliefs. Such beliefs encompass our values, judgments, interpretations, assumptions and attitudes. These positions frame the window through which we interpret reality. Our beliefs in turn determine our behavior. Behavior includes our style, openness, habits, skills, practices and actions. Behavior is largely external. These are what people see. Behaviors are also the standards by which people are judged.

Our behaviors will influence our relationships. The quality and depth of the relationships we have are determined by such ideas as trust, rapport, collaboration and connection. If our behaviors do not generate trust and facilitate rapport then we will not have effective communication and hence a connection will not be made.

Our relationships determine the results we see in life. Such results are communicated through visible outcomes, impact, accountabilities and performances. Results in turn reinforce our held beliefs. If the results are good then our beliefs are deepened. If they are not acceptable, then we might be motivated to examine and change them. The result cycle then involves beliefs, behaviors, relationships and results.

When we begin to think about facilitating lasting change in our relationships or behavior, the first place we must start is in our beliefs. That is why the bible tells us “As a man thinks in his heart so is he.” (Prov. 23:7) Our beliefs determine who we are. It is impossible for us to truly believe something and for that belief not to affect our lives. So often we see people buying into motivational speakers and behavior modification exercises, only to be frustrated a few months later when it is not working. They do not understand why. In spite of all the money spent on that particular seminar or time spent perfecting that peculiar exercise the behavior did not change and the results remain. The reality is we are starting from the wrong place. We must first examine our beliefs. In fact Jesus said it this way, “It is out of the abundance of the heart the person lives.” In other words, what we believe in our minds and hearts will direct our lives.” (Luke 6:45)

If you find yourself caught in a behavior trap from which you desperately hope to break, do the hard work and begin to examine what you believe. For example if you find yourself moving from one abusive relationship to another, stop and ask yourself what you believe about yourself and other people. Chances are those beliefs are shaping your choices. If you find yourself not able to stick to a job for a long period of time, chances are your beliefs are fashioning your behavior. So if you want growth you must break the insanity cycle. You must change the result cycle.

Dr. Owen Facey is Pastor of Genesis Christian Center in Tamarac (Please not our new address at 6501 W Commercial Boulevard, Tamarac. www.iamsharper.org )