What does the term "behavior momentum" refer to?

The concept of "behavior momentum" refers to the strategy of using tasks that an individual has already mastered to build up momentum toward the completion of more challenging or less preferred tasks. When an individual successfully engages in tasks they are familiar with, they often gain confidence and increase their willingness to take on new or more demanding tasks.

By starting with easier activities that are already within the person's skills, the therapist can create a sense of achievement, making it more likely that the individual will engage with subsequent, more difficult tasks. This approach leverages the success of previously learned behaviors to facilitate learning and transition to tasks that may be more challenging. Hence, using mastered skills not only promotes a smoother transition but also enhances the individual's overall motivation and ability to tackle new challenges.