Making lasting change in behavior is rarely a simple process. It usually involves a substantial commitment of time, effort, and emotion. That’s why people look to a personal trainer, health coach, or life coach. But how sustainable are these changes? The stages of change model seeks to explain and effect such change, and the science says it works.
In my practice, I identify the client’s stage of change. Generally, we all cycle through them throughout our lives as we make decisions. However, there are ways to prevent the relapse, or at least quickly recover without doing too much damage. And that’s where your health coach comes in!
What are the stages of change?
The stages of change, and what they sound like:
Precontemplation – “I don’t have a health problem.”
Contemplation – “My doctor thinks I should make some changes for better health. I’m not sure what to do, or if I want to change.”
Preparation – “Let me do some research and learn about what to eat, and how to be healthier. I don’t feel great, so maybe there is something to this.”
Action – “No more fast food for me, and I’m working out, too.”
Maintenance – “I’ve made healthy changes, and it fits with my lifestyle. I’ve got strategies to avoid temptations.”
Relapse – “I really miss that fast food. I can have it. I’m doing well. I deserve it. I’ve lost weight and I’m feeling better, it can’t hurt. Now I feel guilty, resentful, disappointed, and like I’ve failed.
The stages of change are used by health professionals, educators, nurses, psychologists, etc. to understand where the person they are trying to help with improvement.
When you decide to work with a coach, you may have gone through the stages of change many times. And even after we work together, you probably will go through them again. But there is something that can help you to maintain your positive health changes, and that is in the bumpy, real life maintenance phase.
If you have worked with me in the past, you are invited to join the Living Your Best Life maintenance program. This program provides weekly accountability, encouragement, and motivation through our weekly group calls. We problem solve challenges, and plan for successes for the upcoming week.
If you want to stop the crazy cycle of lapse, relapse, feeling guilty, and starting over again, join the group coaching program to maintain the positive changes you’ve already made, and continue with consistency for even better health and happiness!
