Change - Are You Ready-_1024

217479655 · Wysłany: Sob 10:13, 26 Mar 2011 Temat postu: Change - Are You Ready-_1024

How do you typically deal with change? Think of a change you have made at any time in your life. What did you do to successfully make that change? Why were you successful? Was this typical for you or atypical?
Change readiness is a concept attributed to James O. Prochaska who identified six stages of change. In my wellness education and coaching programs, I utilize Prochaska's first five stages of change. I believe the concept of readiness to change is important to address with any type of behavior modification.
1. Pre-contemplation is a big word to describe the stage in which a person hasn't thought about making a change. Sometimes we're not aware that we need to alter behavior. This is the case with someone who isn't aware of a medical issue such as high blood pressure. The issue may suddenly be brought into our awareness. It may take some time to get used to the idea that the issue needs to be addressed.
2. Contemplation simply means thinking. At this stage we may be thinking of making a change. Unfortunately,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], many people get stuck in this stage. They think...and think...and think. This is where education and coaching can be helpful in getting unstuck. Thinking is okay as long as it leads to preparation and action. For most folks if you've been thinking about something for longer than two weeks,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], consider yourself stuck.
3. Preparation is fairly obvious. However, this is the stage that many of us skip. We often move into action when we haven't prepared sufficiently to take action and be successful. The person who decides to walk on their lunch break but then doesn't bring their walking shoes and socks to work isn't going to be able to take action. Preparation involves sorting out what it will take to successfully take action. For example, perhaps you need to clear the junk food out of your house and buy some healthy choices before you start a nutritious food plan.
4. Action refers to taking that first step in the right direction. We need to be patient with ourselves because it takes six weeks to develop a new habit. It's also important to take small, gradual steps and build on them. You may become overwhelmed if you attempt to make too many changes at once. For example, if you're working on time management, you may want to start by identifying your biggest time waster and tackle that issue first.
5. Maintenance is the stage to which we all aspire. At this stage, you've achieved your goal and the new behavior has become part of your identity. You are now a "healthy eater", "walker" or "efficient time manager." If you get knocked off track by illness or vacation or other life events, it's much easier to return to your routine because it's not new learning. You know what you did to successfully make a change in your life and you just need to return to behaviors that are familiar and already work for you.
Do these stages make sense as you look back at those changes you've attempted in the past,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], whether you've been successful or not? What mistakes did you make that you can learn from now? Now think of a behavior you would like to change. Identify the stage of change you are in. What can you do to move to the next stage of change?
Change isn't easy but it doesn't have to be as difficult as many of us make it,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], either. You can be successful if you apply the stages of change readiness. The support you can receive from a coaching relationship, as well as being held accountable to your goals,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], can also be helpful. Reach out for help if you need it. Once you've accomplished your initial goal,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], you will be in a better position to achieve success with other goals. Here's to your success!