Are you Ready?

Think of it like this - change is essentially dynamic - it’s about ‘moving things’ and therefore requires the input of your effort to bring about the shift. 

 So how much effort is needed?

Is it the same amount of effort required for everyone to change?

And why is it that some people seem to find it easier to change than others?

Research has suggested that we all progress through the same stages when changing something about ourselves, albeit at different paces.

The contemplation stage is when we are seriously thinking about something but have not yet made a commitment to take action on it. We are weighing up the pros and cons, knowing where we want to go but not quite ready yet to take that turning. We are thinking, but not yet doing anything to bring about a change.
 The preparation stage is when we have made a conscious choice to do something differently and have managed to take a step or two in that direction, for example like cutting down on weekly alcohol or chocolate intake - but have not completely abstained from the habit.

Action to effect the change requires a greater commitment of time and energy, for example attending the gym at three set times during the week for a period of eight weeks. 

The more action that is initiated at this stage then the greater the chances of overall success and the greater increase in the development of self- belief in the ability to successfully make changes. Of course there are situations where one action can in itself be seen to effect a change – think in terms of leaving home, ending a relationship; or embarking on a journey…


 The maintenance stage is where we are working to prevent relapse by consolidating our gains. This is still a dynamic process – no resting on the laurels or taking a bit of ‘time out’! Nothing ever stops, change is a constant force!
 Some believe this stage actually lasts a lifetime, as illustrated by stabilising behaviour and the successful avoidance of relapse – or reverting to our previous habits. Others see it as a constant building process, using the foundations already laid down to make further progress. 

 Each stage represents a period of time as well as a set of tasks needed for the movement to the next stage. It is possible to move from one stage to any other stage at any time; and the actual time spent in any one stage may vary However, the research has clearly shown that people progressing at the rate of one stage in a month appear to double the chances of successfully making more changes in the future. 
 A successful strategy to combat relapse has been identified which involves components of both ‘thinking’ and ‘doing’. Successful ‘maintainers’ are able to identify and assess the conditions under which a relapse (return to the old habit) is likely for them – perhaps meeting up with a particular person under specific circumstances, such as a heavy and committed ‘smoker’ friend in the comfort of their own home. Then they appear able to develop and enact one or more alternative responses, for example arranging and meeting the friend somewhere new and not closely associated with the habit of smoking. Success at such interventions has helped to reinforce the new thinking and behaviour of the successful maintainers and they began to experience living as the person they wanted to become.

A relapse usually results in us reverting to one of the stages, which are seen in the form of a cycle. Also it is widely believed that each time someone relapses and recycle, they learn from their mistakes and that helps them to progress further in their next attempt. 

So now think about the number of new year resolutions you have made…and forgotten; perhaps diets you have read about …maybe even tried and abandoned; and maybe the number of times someone close to you has told you that you need to give up smoking…

 Chances are you were at the pre- contemplation stage of change when those incidences occurred and yet to enter the cycle of the stages outlined above.

This stage is characterised by more resistance to change. We may have no intention to change in the foreseeable future. Why should we? Where’s the problem…we can’t see any problem? Although others around us might be able to see it!! We might even wish things could or would be different but we have no real intention to effect a change, - things aren’t really that bad…are they? 

 So
how do you know if you’re at the pre- contemplation or contemplation stage?

Ask yourself: 

 • Are you being as open as you can about your desire to change something?

• 
Do you spend time mulling things over in your mind?
 • 
Do you sometimes respond in an emotional way to the perceived need for change?

 If the answer to these questions is no, then you are probably at the pre –contemplation stage.

However if you are still reading this, then it could just be that you are now entering the contemplation stage… !