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Change! Yes, No or Maybe?
Why is it that some people overcome difficult circumstances; or their addiction to alcohol, drugs, work, or even their hobby and go on to make massive change in their lives?
One way of understanding how to make change is to use a Stages of Change model. In this particular model there are six stages:
- Pre-contemplation
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance
- Relapse
So let's look briefly at each stage.
Stage 1. Pre-contemplation – "Don't bother me"
If you are at this stage you see no need to change. You enjoy your life and will be very defensive of your present behaviour. You will continue over-eating, gambling, drinking or working. You enjoy doing whatever you are doing and have no intention of changing.
Stage 2. Contemplation - "Maybe I could ..."
You think about making a change or two. You toss around in your mind the pro and cons of changing behaviour. For example, the doctor gave you a strong warning about your drinking, so you are weighing up the benefits of drinking versus the disadvantages of stopping or reducing your alcohol consumption or changing to light beer.
Stage 3. Preparation - "Ok I'll give it a go"
In this stage you take steps to change or make plans to change. You decide to drink light beer, or not take your credit card when you go to the local gambling casino, or limit time spent with certain unhelpful or non supportive friends.
Stage 4. Action - "I've done this".
At this point in the cycle you have enrolled in a Quit course, entered a detoxification facility, bought light beer, cut up your credit card, modified your diet. In short, you make a positive change no matter how small.
Stage 5. Maintenance - "Keep up the good work"
Maintenance is the daily grind to maintain your change until that desired change becomes a positive part of your lifestyle. You join a support group, make new friends, take up new interests, and try new activities. You avoid situations likely to cause you to falter and relapse.
Stage 6. Relapse - "I've messed up!"
If you are at this stage you see no need to change. You enjoy your life and will be very defensive of your present behaviour. You will continue over-eating, gambling, drinking or working. You enjoy doing whatever you are doing and have no intention of changing.
So, where are you on your journey to change?
Your friend on the journey,
Roger.