Articles
The Stages of Change
Occasionally someone says something we just didn't see coming, yet, once we are aware of it, we wonder how we could have ever missed it. Sadly, these are typically things we would rather not but really should deal with, since the biggest issue can be what's in our head. It should be no surprise then that in 1982 American psychologists DiClemente and Prochaska worked out the five stages of change for overcoming problem behaviours.
At Defining Eve we are all about the positive. Every day gives us all kinds of possibilities to change how we live our lives. Do you want to be more healthy? Are you curious to know what that takes- mentally?
Getting into better physical shape goes hand-in-hand with our mindset, since desire can be what finally gets us off the couch, so are you ready to change? Let's take a look at the stages.
Pre-contemplation is the stage we are at before our eyes are opened. Something may be sneaking up on us from around the corner, but for now the couch is very comfortable, thanks very much.
Contemplation means that sneaking feeling caught up with us and now we have to actually think about it. Ugg. Seriously though, knowledge is power and with that tidbit tucked neatly in our belt we look into this nagging feeling we have and what maybe we could do with it. Well, at least we're willing to give it some good thought. Yet that couch continues to beckon; it's so comfortable.
Preparation is that point-of-passage; we've decided we need to do something and now is better than later, so let's get on with it! This can be serious stuff. What do we really need to do? Where do we do it? Who do we do it with? Easy answers, all. More importantly, we are starting to see ourselves as a willing and ready participant. Goodbye couch!
Action time is the best of all, because this is where the rubber hits the road. I will change, come what may. I'm willing to give my pound of flesh (well, cellulite in my case), and today is the beginning of redemption!
Maintenance means we have almost arrived. We are now getting into the routine. We've found our flag-waver (a great friend with the same goal or one of Defining Eve's personal trainers) and looking back is not an option. Others may hear the call of the couch, but my ears are listening to the sound of the road and there's not one fibre of my being that wants to go back to the way it was. Goals, you say? Now I breathe better, my legs and back are stronger and my eyes are on that dress that has been waiting patiently in the closet. The best of me is yet to come!
See? Fitness can be fun and it's certainly rewarding. Do you see yourself in what you read? Are you literally or figurative sitting on the couch now? Are you ready to change? Now is the time to start, even though you know there will be rough times ahead. The most dramatic results will happen in the Action stage, but Maintenance is where your life really changes for the long term, and believe me, that's where I always want to be, don’t you? I expect that I’ll see you on the road!
