Are you looking to make a change in your life but not sure which steps to take? Or perhaps you know what needs to be done to make a change but you need assistance with the process. You may also be a person that makes changes but doesn’t always stick to them.
For some change can be as good as a holiday but for others, it can be daunting and overwhelming. However, if you’ve reached out to a psychosocial coach, there’s a part of you that wants to make a positive adjustment so you can live life to the fullest. Coaching can be the answer but it takes plenty of patience, time, and money. You need to consider these factors before you can fully commit to coaching.
Therefore, it’s crucial that you feel you’re ready for coaching. How will you know that you’re completely ready? Well, you’ll need to determine where you are. To assist you, you must look at the 5 stages of change which were developed by James Prochaska and Carlo Di Clemente:
- Pre-contemplation: The stage where you’re not entirely ready for change.
- Contemplation: This is where you’re thinking of changing but not entirely sure yet.
- Preparation: The stage where you’re finally ready to make the changes you want.
- Action: You’re now at the stage where you’re taking action to make changes in your life.
- Maintenance: You’re consistently working on the changes you’ve implemented
Looking at these five stages, where are you on the scale? You’ll know you’re 100% ready for coaching if you’re in the “preparation” stage. On the other hand, if you’re still unsure, that means you’re in the contemplation stage and need more time to think about what changes you want to make.
Read on to explore the five stages of change for mental health and provide tips on how to identify which stage you’re in.
Pre-contemplation
In the pre-contemplation stage, you may not be aware that there is a need for change in your mental health or may not be ready to make a change. You may be resistant to the idea of making changes, or you may not believe that your mental health needs attention. You might feel comfortable with your current state or see no negative consequences of your behaviour. Signs that you’re in the pre-contemplation stage include a lack of motivation to improve your mental health, feeling that your mental health is not important, and not seeing any negative effects of your behaviour on your mental health.
Contemplation
In the contemplation stage, you’re aware that a change is needed in your mental health, and you’re considering the pros and cons of making a change. You may be weighing the benefits of change against the costs and may be seeking information and advice on how to improve your mental health. Signs that you’re in the contemplation stage include feeling ambivalent about change, having mixed feelings about the need to change, and seeking information about the benefits and risks of change.
Preparation
In the preparation stage, you’re committed to making a change and taking concrete steps to prepare for the change. You may be gathering resources, developing a plan, and setting goals. Signs that you’re in the preparation stage include having a clear idea of what you want to change, making plans to achieve your goals, and feeling motivated to take action.
Action
In the action stage, you’re actively making changes and taking steps to improve your mental health. You may be implementing your plan, seeking support from others, and working to overcome obstacles. Signs that you’re in the action stage include actively working toward your goals, experiencing positive changes, and feeling confident and motivated.
Maintenance
In the maintenance stage, you’ve made significant progress and are working to maintain the changes you’ve made. You may be consolidating your gains, working to prevent relapse, and making adjustments to your plan as needed. Signs that you’re in the maintenance stage include feeling confident in your ability to maintain your changes, experiencing ongoing progress, and feeling committed to sustaining your new habits.
So, how can you identify which stage of change you’re in for your mental health? Here are some tips:
- Consider your thoughts and feelings about your mental health. Are you resistant to the idea of making changes, considering the pros and cons, or actively working to make changes?
- Evaluate your behaviour. Are you taking concrete steps to improve your mental health, or are you continuing with your current habits?
- Look for signs of progress. Are you experiencing positive changes in your mental health, or are you struggling to see any progress?
Remember, making changes to improve your mental health can be a challenging and ongoing process. It’s normal to move back and forth between stages of change, and setbacks can happen. However, by understanding the stages of change and where you are in the process, you can make informed decisions and take actions that are more likely to result in success.
