Understanding the Stages of Change 

it is important when setting goals to understand how ready and accepting you are of the process of change. It is always important when setting goals to assess what stage of change you are in. This assessment helps set you up for success for attaining goals, whether it is to start a new workout plan, or to begin to eat healthy. It is important to understand how willing and open you are to change. 

PRE-CONTEMPLATION: The first stage of change is pre contemplation. In this stage you are not even thinking about making the ideal change.  There is not intention of change. You may not even recognizing the importance or the benefits of the change at this stage. You are not ready or willing to make changes at this stage. 

CONTEMPLATION: The second stage is contemplation. In this stage you are in the beginning stage of change. It is great that you have enter this stage you are beginning to see the importance or need for change. You are starting to think about some potential goals to achieve and the desired change. You do not take action in the contemplation stage you are in the thinking stage. 

PREPARATION: The third stage of change is preparation. In this stage you are ready and open for change. You are feeling encouraged and excited for change. You are working on making the changes in your thinking to prepare to put you thoughts into action. You are starting to look at different goals and how you can achieve the goals. 

ACTION: The fourth stage is the action stage. This is when mentally you are ready to start to act on your goals. You have made the mental changes are ready and committed to make the changes to achieve your goals. In the action stage your goals are clearly defined and you have a plan to achieve your goals. You are taking the appropriate steps and achieving your different benchmark goals in the action stage. You are feeling accomplished in the action stage. 

MAINTENANCE: The fifth stage of change is the maintenance stage. You have achieved your goals in this stage. You are not required as much action during the maintenance stage.  During the maintenance stage your goal is to manage the accomplishments you have reached. In this stage you are feeling the benefits of your change. 

Just know that making any change big and small can be difficult at times but once you accomplish you goal it has a significant impact on your wellbeing. So when setting out to make changes talk kindly to yourself and using encouraging language because you can do anything you set your mind too!!!