| One of the mistakes often made when starting a | | | | problem and I'm ready now to do something |
| serious lifestyle change is not following a proven | | | | about it) |
| sequence of steps to ensure a more successful | | | | 3. Dissatisfaction Inventory (I've had a deliberate |
| outcome. | | | | thinking session on this problem to assess the |
| Psychologists have researched and discovered | | | | negative impacts it is having) |
| that when we identify and pursue eight sequential | | | | 4. Serious Planning (I've set a goal in writing |
| stages of personal change we can greatly | | | | complete with a start and finish date and specific |
| increase our chances of bringing about the desired | | | | action steps to take along the way) |
| changes in our lives and improve the likelihood of | | | | 5. Committed Action (I've turned my goal into an |
| maintaining those changes. | | | | action plan by doing the things I said I would when |
| People have different needs for considering a | | | | I set my goal) |
| lifestyle change. What's yours? | | | | 6. Monitored Progression (I monitor my progress |
| Is it to begin a weight loss or healthier eating | | | | along the goal path and make adjustments when |
| program, give up an unhealthy habit or starting a | | | | necessary to stay on track) |
| healthy one or is it a change in the way you | | | | 7. Anticipated Regression (Regression is ok! |
| communicate with those you love and live with. | | | | Accepting regression is vital so long as I get back |
| Whatever your personal lifestyles change you can | | | | on track as soon as possible) |
| commence it more confidently by understanding | | | | 8. Completion (Hooray, I'm here. I set my goal |
| The 8 Stages of Personal Change. | | | | and worked my plan. Now where's that reward I |
| 1. Reluctant Contemplation (I know I have a | | | | promised myself?) |
| problem but I'm not ready to do anything about it | | | | I can vouch for the effectiveness of these simple |
| yet) | | | | stages for positive personal change. |
| 2. Co-operative Contemplation (I still have my | | | | |