Understanding the Phases of Change and How They Impact Your Goals

Changing can be challenging, but is an important part of growth. Understanding the phases of change can help you know what to expect and how to stay motivated. The phases of change are steps people go through when making a big change in their lives. Here’s a simple guide:

• Precontemplation: In this phase, you’re not yet thinking about making a change. You might not see a problem with your current behavior or might not feel ready to change.
• Contemplation: You start to think about making a change. You weigh the pros and cons and consider the benefits of changing. This is when you start to realize the importance of taking action. 
• If you jump in and start trying to do the goal now without any preparation, you miss some opportunities to set yourself up for success. This can make goals much harder to achieve in the moment, leaving you feeling exhausted and frustrated.
• Preparation: You decide to make a change and start planning how to do it. You set goals and make a plan. This phase involves getting ready and gathering what you need to succeed. 
• Think of this as "front loading" the effort to be successful later. Take your time, be thorough, and think about what made past successes possible when looking at your upcoming goals. 
• Action: You begin to take steps toward your goal. This is where you put your plan into action and start making changes in your daily life. You might face challenges, but you keep working toward your goal.
• Track your progress, and note whether you need to update your goals to make them more realistic or effective. A little record keeping now can be very encouraging later to see how far you have come!
• Maintenance: You’ve made the change and are working to keep it. This phase is about sticking to your new habits and avoiding old patterns. It’s important to stay motivated and remind yourself of your progress.
• If the initial zeal has left consistency might get hard. Think about how to make this continue for the long term, whether that means an accountability partner, or making a tweak that helps the goal feel fun and fresh again.
• Relapse: Sometimes, you might slip back into old habits. This is normal and part of the process. What matters is getting back on track and continuing to work toward your goal. 
• Remember that if you have ever had any "good days" with this goal you can have more! Do not focus on feelings of failure, but instead think of your motivators and the successes you have had so far.

How This Impacts Effort:

Understanding these phases helps you be patient and persistent. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn't come as a result of pure discipline. It takes time, effort, learning, using your strengths and planning. By knowing which phase you’re in, you can set realistic expectations and stay motivated. Remember, it’s okay to face setbacks. Each step brings you closer to your goal. Stay committed and keep moving forward!