When it comes to change, most people have good intensions! However, good intentions are useless because it adds no value. Execution adds value! If Henry Ford simply intended to build cars, Ford Motor Company would have never existed.

There are several levels of “Readiness to Change”. Ask yourself which level you are at. The ultimate goal is to get to Level 5.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

If you are at Level 1 (You are not ready to change nor do you intend to change), this is probably because you feel things are ok. You know you should lose weight, stop smoking, or stop spending but you are just not ready to change. You enjoy what you are doing, or what you are doing is not really causing a major problem right now. You realize the problem could in the future cause a problem, but right now things are ok. If you are at Level 1, you need to increase your knowledge of what the benefits and disadvantages are for change. Seek out the advantages to change and realize the results of your current behavior. If you chew tobacco and you educate yourself to realize that chewing tobacco causes numerous health issues, then you will realize the benefits of the change. If you are a logical individual, this should encourage you to start to change.

If you are at Level 2 (You intend to change at some point in time), you are probably here because it’s just too hard to get started or it’s difficult to find the time to do it. As with Level one, you need to increase your knowledge of what the benefits and disadvantages are for change. Seek out the advantages to change and think about the results of your current behavior. Realize the benefit will reward you and modify your lifestyle to make the change.

If you are at Level 3 (You intend to change at a specified point in time), it is because you know what has to done but you are delaying it. If you intend to change within a specified point in time, then create a plan on paper to execute the change. Write a vision statement. An example, would be, “By June 1, 2007, I will lose 20 pounds by consistent exercise and diet”. Then create an exercise and diet plan on paper and pick a specific date to begin the change. Stick to the plan!

If you are at Level 4 (You are in process of making changes however you are unsure if you can maintain the change), it is because your motivation level is decreasing. You feel yourself relapsing to your old way. There are several things you can do. (For exercise see article: Ways to Overcome the Boredom of Exercise). First realize that change is difficult and it has to be taken one day at a time. There are several options you can take. You may need to find a support group or person to keep you engaged. You may need to change your routine so it doesn’t become boring. You may need to self motivate by seeking out motivational articles, tapes or videos. Think “outside-the-box” for things you can do so you won’t relapse to your old behavior or lifestyle.

If you are Level 5 (You are very confident that you can continue to change), then I applaud you. You are rare. Keep up the good work. What more can I say?

Change is very hard; however, it’s not impossible. Consistency is key to change. If you do something consistently for a specified amount of time, then one day it will become routine. If you exercise, stop smoking, or stop overeating consistently for several months then one day it will become routine! Then you will have successfully made a change that benefits you!

Copyright © 2009 By Patrick Birmingham (Associate Writer)

      

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