Is that possible? How many of us out there have tried, and tried only to fail again. We always seem to slowly slide back into our old habits and back into our comfort zone. Why is that? The book Changing For Good discovered that change does not depend on luck or willpower, but can be successfully managed by anyone who understands how it works
This is a groundbreaking book of how to achieve permanent change in your live. This book is written by three psychologists James O. Prochaska, PHD, John C. Norcross, PHD and Carlo C. Diclemente, PHD.
Who has discovered a six-stage program for overcoming bad habits and moving your life positively forward. So there are 6 well defined stages of change, and they are:
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance
- Termination
So what is precontemplation?
It’s a stage where everyone around that person can see that they have a problem, except them self. They resist change and live in permanent denial, placing the responsibility for their problems on factors such as genetic makeup, addiction, family, society or “destiny” All of these factors is something they perceive as being out of their control. Precontemplators are often demoralized as well. They don’t want to talk, read or even think about their problem, as they feel that their particular problem or situation is hopeless.
Contemplation
When people are in the contemplation stage they acknowledge that they have a problem and are now seriously thinking about doing something about it. They feel stuck and have a need to move on. They struggle to understand their problem; can see the causes and wonder of possible solutions. Contemplators have indefinite plans of taking action but many manage it within the next six month or so. Although many people remain in this stage for quite some time as they just are not ready yet to take that first step. Fear of failure can keep them searching for a more complete understanding of their situation or for maybe a more sensational solution.
Preparation
Here people have made plans to take action within the next month or so. They begin to make final adjustments, plans and start changing their behaviour. They may even make a public announcement. I will quite smoking on Monday!! People in this stage appear to be ready to change, but hey have not quite resolved their ambivalence. They may still try and convince themselves that taking action is the right step. Many have already made a number of small changes. Eating less, smoking less etc. and their awareness and anticipation is high. Many wake up one morning and decide to go “cold turkey” this however is not the best plan as it lower their ultimate chances of success. It is actually better to use this time to develop a firm and detailed plan to carry them through.
So this is the first three stages of Changing for good. The last three stages will follow soon.
