Here’s to a Healthy Change in the New Year

Thinking about change?  Work through the process, says experts. Success comes in stages.  Change often takes a predictable course, according to research. By dividing this process into stages, we have an approach now practiced around the world to help people cope with tough problems like addiction, unhealthy eating, obesity and sedentary lifestyle.

In his book, Changing for Good, psychologist James Prochaska and his colleagues outline 6 stages of transition. You are more likely to succeed in reaching your goals when you observe these predictable stages of change:
 
Precontemplation – Becoming aware of a situation that needs changing. For example, listen to how others perceive the behavior you want to change.
 
Contemplation – Thinking about what you want to change and convincing yourself you need to act. Many get stuck here unless they begin to view the change as more important than not changing.
 
Preparation – Creating an action plan. This might include decisions like setting a “start” date, signing up for a class, or consulting experts.
 
Action – Taking steps to enable the change to happen. Recommended: Establish new behaviors and control your environment to make the transition easier.
 
Maintenance – Guarding your progress. To prevent relapse while continuing the new behavior, a support group at this stage can provide encouragement and advice.
 
Termination – Being comfortably adjusted to the new, changed behavior. And hopefully by this time you’ve gained the confidence to maintain your new behavior.

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