Stages of Change | Change Behaviors

The TTM posits that individuals move through six stages of change:

 Precontemplation

Contemplation

Preparation

Action

 Relapse 

Maintenance

Leading to Termination 

During my many attempts to better myself over the years, something was always missing and therefore, what I was trying to change rarely stuck. I would revert to my old ways all while thinking “I know better but why isn’t this working”. So when I asked a professional for her advice, she told me about the theory of stages of change. This got me thinking maybe this was the thing I had lacked knowledge of, and if I knew more about behaviors might be a little easier to change them and have more of a success rate. So here is what I have found out about the stages of change; I hope this helps you become the person you want to be with whatever behaviors you would like or would like to change. 

The Stages of Change Model is an effective aid in understanding how people go through a change in behavior. The preparation stage is the most important. Fifty percent of the people who attempt behavior change and skip this stage will relapse within 21 days, according to Prochaska in his book, Changing for Good.

The Stages of Change Model can be an excellent way to understand the change in both yourself and others. While there are some limitations in it, the Stages of Change Model helps to visualize how you go through changes, so you know what to expect when you're trying to change a habit.

Precontemplation is the stage at which there is no intention to change behavior in the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, many individuals in this stage are unaware or under-aware of their problems.

The definition of contemplation is studying or observing something carefully or thinking deeply about something. When you sit quietly and think about your future or your life, this is an example of contemplation.

Preparation is a stage that combines intention and behavioral criteria. Individuals in this stage are intending to take action in the next month and have unsuccessfully taken action in the past year. In the preparation stage, people have committed to making a change.

The Action stage is one in which an individual has made overt, perceptible lifestyle modifications for fewer than 6 months. 

The Relapse Stage represents the time in a person's treatment where they have slipped back into old habits and returned to use. Relapse is said to happen when people lose sight of their recovery or goal. 

The maintenance phase of the Stages of Change model involves successfully avoiding former behaviors and keeping up new behaviors.  If you are trying to maintain a new behavior, look for ways to avoid temptation. Try replacing old habits with more positive actions.

Termination - In this stage, people have no desire to return to their unhealthy behaviors and are sure they will not relapse. Since this is rarely reached, and people tend to stay in the maintenance stage, this stage is often not considered in health promotion programs.

It is important to note that the stages of change are not linear. You may find yourself moving in and out and between stages at different times. Any movement, however, is a sign of progress and often leaves you better prepared to take on the challenge of change.