5 Stages Of Change
Change can be difficult but change is also necessary for growth. Knowing where you are on the 5 Stages of Change can help guide you through your health and fitness journey. Today we tackle each stage and break down what it takes to move up to the next level!
Let’s Begin!
Our mind, body and attitude all play a role in our journey, so, if I were to ask you where you are at in your journey what would you say? Are you thinking about the journey, know what you need to do to start your journey or well down the path?
The Transtheoretical Model (also known as the 5 stages of change) is an integrative assessment to identify where you are at. Understanding where you are, helps you in your readiness to tackle your goals and lead to healthier behavior, but also providing you with strategies to guide you through the process.
This can be a huge asset as you discover your health and fitness path. With some hard work, and healthier nutrition you will not only reach your full potential but have fun doing it!
So let’s dive a little deeper into the 5 Stages of Change and get you to the next level!
Pre-contemplation Stage
Pre-contemplation is the stage of doing nothing. This isn’t necessarily sitting on the couch eating Frito Lays but it may be the stage where you feel absolutely fine with your level of physical activity or lack thereof. When a friend asks you if you would like to go to the farmers market Saturday morning, you may ignore them or quickly say no.
You also may think you won’t like it or feel self-conscious if it is an activity outside of your comfort zone. This kind of thinking limits any motivation to get to the next stage.
How do I get to the next stage…
Confidence, confidence, confidence. This can be difficult but you have nothing to lose. Who knows, you may love it, you may feel revived, you may get addicted to it. Find that motivation inside, find that drive and build that confidence in yourself.
Contemplation Stage
Contemplation is the stage of awareness and of understanding. This is when you notice that when you went to the farmers market you received a breath of fresh air and that you actually felt good moving around. You did not feel self-conscious at all. Now when you are asked to do some form of activity, instead of saying “heck no”, you actually give it a thought. You start to use “I should” statements. This is when you might start feeling that itch you can’t scratch and there might be something to this idea of health and fitness.
How do I get to the next stage…
Start by setting some goals. And these don’t have to be monstrous goals. Set nice attainable goals. For example, you wouldn’t set the goal to be a Doctor if you hadn’t first set the goal to go to college. In setting these goals think about how this positive change will benefit YOU. In reference to our farmers market example, if you continue going to the market, eat healthier and walk around more often, you could start to feel healthier, walk a little more confident and become a happier individual. Set your goals and get motivated by what could happen when you fulfill them!
Preparation Stage
The Preparation stage is the planning stage. This is when you decide that today is the day to obtain those goals. You have moved from the “I should” to the “I could” statements. Examples include “I could go on that walk, I could pick up those weights”. This is the stage that you look for a coach or a trainer for that guidance and motivation. This is called an accountability partner who will keep you on track with your goals.
How do I get to the next stage…
Find an accountability partner. It can be a partner, friend, co-worker, or another motivational person in your life. Heck, it could be me or my wife Mickayla. Whoever it may be, once you have that accountability partner you will start to feel a mental calm. A readiness to start engaging those muscles and obtain your health and fitness goals because someone has your back pushing you along.
Action Stage
The Action stage, in my opinion is the most difficult stage. This is when it’s time to start working. When you say “I am ready, I am set, let’s do this NOW.” At this stage it’s critical that you keep your goals on your mind. Continue to believe in yourself and what you can do. This is the stage where it is very easy to relapse and head backwards but believe in your abilities, talk with your accountability partner and push through because you can do it.
How do I get to the next stage…
When you get your mind right your body will follow. Nothing can stop you but you, so continue to believe in yourself and the goals you have set. With this believe there is nothing that will stop you!
Maintenance Stage
The maintenance stage is the stage of accomplishment. This is the stage where you continue to push yourself. You make new goals and new challenges to conquer. You crave your workouts, you crave the better nutrition and you crave the new lifestyle.
Where do you go from here? You keep challenging yourself. You push for new challenges to work toward and you never stop. Growth and self-development continue when you continue so be the best version of yourself and create the person you have always wanted for yourself.
If you want this positive change but need help doing it, I am here for you. I have gone through these challenges so many times and I can say that there is not a better feeling than proving to yourself that you can conquer your goals. Below are several areas where Mickayla Stoner Fitness can help discover your true potential. Programs designed to keep you motivated with active accountability and results. Remember, anything you set your mind to, you can accomplish!
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