So, you’ve been thinking about change (Stages 1 and 2). You’ve even created a plan to prepare yourself for what you need to do (Stage 3). But after all the contemplation and planning, what happens next?
Action and Maintenance: The ‘Doing’ of Change
In the Stages of Change model that I’ve been referring to over the last several weeks, Action and Maintenance are the fourth and fifth stages, respectively. These stages refer to the activities a person engages in to help them achieve their behavioural goals.
The only difference between Action and Maintenance
In the Maintenance stage, a person is focused more on preventing relapse. They have some practice and degree of success at implementing their new behaviours, which are now part of their daily routine.
So, to summarize the stages of behavior change up to this point, it would look like this:
First, you think about changing. Second, you prepare to change. Third, you act and start doing the work.
Applying This to Your Life
In following through with some of your plans to change, here are some strategies to help you stick with your resolutions, goals, or intentions for self-improvement.
- Identify the positives of changing. The reality is that pleasurable habits or goals are easier to stick with than those that are not pleasurable. Therefore, identify and remind yourself of the reasons for change and how the new behaviour can improve your life. Reminding yourself of the benefits of change can help keep you motivated to challenge the urges or cravings that can lead to relapse.
- Change your environment to set you up for success. If you’re looking to improve something in your life, pay attention to the people, places, and things you spend your time on. There are some people who can sabotage your success, and there are others who can motivate you to be even more successful than you imagined. Who would you rather spend time with? Connect with the people and resources that are in alignment and supportive of your change.
- Recognize that it’s hard work, no matter the goal. Clients will often ask me how long it takes before a behaviour becomes habitual; how long before their behaviour becomes automatic, so they don’t have to think about the hard work of doing it. The truth is that you’ll always have to work at sticking with your goals and habits. But it does get easier with time, especially as you begin to see the benefits of change. Nothing worthwhile is ever quick or easy.
Summary
Everyone has something they want to improve in themselves, but it does require effort and time. However, when you remind yourself of the reasons for change and begin to see how changing a particular behavior can positively impact both yourself and those you love, you are leading yourself towards a more fulfilling life.
Change requires patience and perseverance, but the rewards are worth it.
I hope this tip helps you act on your goals for change.
Richard