Tis the season for resolutions, and I thought it would be helpful to write about a psychological model that details the process of individual change.  Developed by James Prochaska, a highly esteemed Professor from University of Rhode Island and author of the book, Changing for Good, the “stages of change” model is commonly applied to behavioral changes, such as  diet and/or addictions, but can be applied broadly to any type of individual change.  After losing his own father to alcoholism, researcher Prochaska studied ordinary individuals who were able to stop bad habits and/or instill new patterns in their life;  he found that all changers, irrespective of the type of change, passed through six stages and used similar types of strategies at each respective stage.  Therefore, what is great about this model is that offers a language to reflect on where you are in your own change process (and/or to muse on where someone else is), and to match appropriate forwarding strategies based on stage.

Whether you are reflecting on your own desired changes for 2010 or you want to support someone else in the change process, I hope the stages and outline strategies below offer a little insight and/or a reminder in moving ahead.  Wishing you much success in the year ahead!

James Prochaska’s Six Stages of Change

1.) Precontemplation – You are not intending to take action/make change.
Strategy to move forward: Make the Case for Change – What are the benefits of change? What are the consequences of not making the change?  When the advantages of taking action outweigh the negative consequences, you’re ready for the next phase.

2.) Contemplation – Now you are considering making the change, but are not ready to take action.  Some people spend years in this stage.  Strategy: Identify Obstacles and Get Clear in Your Commitment.   What is really getting in the way of you taking action?  What is the end goal and what will it mean to reach this goal?  Visualize the finish line – how will it feel?

3.) Preparation – You are intending to take action in the near future, often in the next month.
Strategy: Make a Detailed Plan and Ask for Support.  When, where, how will you execute? How can you make it easy for yourself? What will you do on days when you don’t feel like sticking with it or when you aren’t in your normal routine?  Where do you want to be in a month? Six months?  Who can you enroll your plan as accountability partners?

4.) Action – You have made specific overt modifications in their life styles, typically within the past six months.
Strategy: Make it Easy for Yourself.  Whatever the action you want to take, set up your environment to work for you.  Whether it’s inspiring messages, motivating music, new quiet space to work or a committed partner waiting for you, create the conditions that will allow yourself to actually follow through.

5.) Maintenance – You are regularly taking new actions, and working to prevent relapse of old behaviors, a stage which is estimated to last from six months to about 5 years.
  Strategy: Integrate the Action with Your Identity.  Whether it’s visualizing yourself doing the behavior comfortably and easily or noticing the progress made and the benefits to your life, you want to integrate the action as a life habit.  When you get off track, study the triggers that have you fall off the wagon, and prepare for them going forward.

6.) Termination – You have zero temptation to return to you old habit and are consistent and competent with the behavior. Strategy: Acknowledge Yourself.  You made a change for the better and stuck with it!

If you would like more detailed information on Prochaska’s model applied to a behavioral change, please see the following WebMD article, which significantly influenced the content in this blog.

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/six-steps-that-can-change-your-life