Changing behavior is not easy and may take some time to obtain lasting results. Therapy takes commitment and a desire to change. You, alone, are the one who decides to change. There are no magic pills or quick fixes. Making positive changes in your life is possible. Believe in yourself. Trust yourself. Make yourself a priority.
Are you ready for change?
Below describes a model for change called the Transtheoretical Model, which was developed by Psychologists James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente. I like this model because it helps clarify a person's readiness for change. There are six stages of change. What is your current stage of change?
Stage 1: Precontemplation (Not Ready)
People in this stage do not intend to take action in the future, usually measured as the next six months. People in this stage are usually uninformed or under informed about their problematic behavior and do not see the need to change. Or they may have had multiple unsuccessful attempts to change and believe they cannot change.
Stage 2: Contemplation (Getting Ready)
People in this stage intend to change in the next six months. They are more aware of the pros and cons of change. However, this can lead to ambivalence resulting in procrastination and remaining in this stage longer than planned.
Stage 3: Preparation (Ready)
People in this stage intend to take action in the immediate future, usually within the next month. They have a plan of action and most have already taken some action within the past year.
Stage 4: Action
People in this stage have made specific modifications in their life within the past six months.
Stage 5: Maintenance
People in this stage continue to maintain specific modifications in their life and are working to prevent relapse.
Stage 6: Termination
People in this stage have no desire to revert back to their previous unhealthy behavior. Their new, healthier behavior has become an automatic habit. Some changes may be easier to maintain than others. Some changes may require a lifetime of maintenance rather than termination.