What Stage Are You In?

DON’T SKIP STAGES FOR LASTING CHANGE

For many years, personal training has been my main profession. Throughout each year, I continually asked: “How do people really change?” My efforts to help clients find their own path to lifetime wellness did not always last. Most of the changes lasted only during the time spent training with me. As soon as the sessions stopped, old habits would resume and the failure cycle would start over again. Watching this process was always frustrating because for the longest time, I could not find the missing link.

The coaching process was the missing link. This process is based a close relationship and partnership with a coach that provides the structure, accountability, expertise, inspiration, and a gentle nudge to enable the client to learn, grow, and develop beyond what she/he can do alone. The pace is set by the client, not the coach, or a calendar.

Coaching starts with assessing the client’s readiness to change. As a coach, I want to know if the client is just thinking about changing or if they are already engaged in the process. Sometimes the client is surprised by the results of the assessment. A skilled coach can help identify the stage and meet the client at that point. Possible solutions can then be introduced. It is fascinating to see how the coaching process empowers clients to set their own vision and goals. With the guidance of the coach, this step-by-step process begins to flow smoothly.

Research shows that successful self-changing individuals follow a controllable and predictable course, based on stages. Success has less to do with willpower and motivation and more to do with following a powerful, progressive, and strategic plan of action not restricted by time. I use the six-stage process developed by James Prochaska, Ph.D., John Norcross, Ph.D., and Carlo Diclemente, Ph.D., known as the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (TTM). TTM is detailed in their revolutionary book, Changing for Good.

Here is a brief look at TTM’s six stages of change: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, and Termination. The key is to follow the stages in a series and do not skip any stage. It is important to know what stage you are in for each behavior that you want to change. You might be in stage one for losing weight, stage two for reducing stress, and stage three for reducing your cholesterol. Each stage entails a series of tasks that need to be completed before progressing to the next stage. Matching your challenges to your stage of change will maximize your chances for success.

Successful behavior change is a process, not an event. Setting unrealistic New Year’s resolutions or enrolling in the latest “Lose 10 lbs. fast” campaign are examples of events. Self-changers succeed when they provide answers at their own pace, not by external forces who attempt to control them for x amount of sessions or weeks.

I remind my clients that the process of change is hard work and it takes motivation from within to keep the fire burning. The breakthrough occurs when they take control and responsibility for their own health and embrace the change process. At this point, the stars seem to realign. The client’s attitude change is palpable. This ignites their inner motivators and prepares them for the next hurdle. As the client progresses through each stage, confidence soars. The process continues to build success on top of success, week after week, month after month.

Are your efforts to change providing good results?
Are you keeping a weekly list of motivators and obstacles? Are you setting and reaching three small goals per week? Do you view behavior change as a process that may require several months or years to achieve?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, contact me for a free 30 minute Wellcoaching session (offered to the first 10 responders). www.wellcoachtexas.com babswellcoach@gmail.com