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The word efficacy means “the capacity to reach a certain effect or outcome.”
Self-efficacy is the belief or perception that individuals have within themselves to produce an outcome.
Many times, people maintain a low sense of self efficacy. They may try many times and not reach desired goals such as losing 10 pounds and keeping it off or sticking to a tight financial budget. When it comes to managing a chronic illness, people with a high sense of self-efficacy often report that they did not always feel that way.
How were they able to change their beliefs about themselves?
One way people change their belief is to break down their goals into reasonable steps—ones that can be achieved. These are frequently called “baby steps.” By achieving positive outcomes on a regular basis, even if the positive outcome is just a step toward the goal and not the goal itself, a belief that change could occur begins to materialize. Soon a high sense of self-efficacy begins to emerge. Changes don’t happen overnight and sometimes that first step didn’t have anything to do with managing a chronic illness.
Think back to the first “baby step” you took—the one that started your journey to increased self-efficacy. What was this first step? Did it have anything to do with managing a chronic illness? Did it take a long time, once you started achieving positive outcomes before you felt confident to try another “baby step”?
Posts: 454 | Registered: Mar 2006
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I agree self efficacy is the key to managing our goals.One step at a time and a process of elimination one product may work for one patient and not another,similar to baby steps.Learning to have patience and thankful for each day we have and all we are learning.Positive outcomes bring about more confindence in our journeys.
Posts: 4 | From: Spokane washington | Registered: Dec 2008
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