Change States

It seems to take time to change our thinking, actions, and point of view. If you are willing to embrace going through the states of change, your new practices will stick.
James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente described the 5 Stages For Change when they developed the Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM). They outlined stages of change that people typically go through when modifying behavior.
This model is widely used in health promotion, addiction recovery, psychotherapy, and personal development. The following is a paraphrasing of their model with a few additions from some of my other training:

Precontemplation

Mindset: Not yet considering change or unaware there is a problem. At it’s worse this is being delusional or in denial!
This is a state of warming up, to think about, getting ready, to begin to start. Not ready to speculate or act.
You might be aware a problem exists but you are minimizes the impact of the problem.
Common Thoughts: “I don’t need to change.”
Goal: Increase your awareness of the problem or consequences to yourself and especially to others? Are you aware of the impact on others? Consider the effect we have on others as well as ourselves.
Action: Expand awareness with information and observations and engage in conversations with trusted people you trust and respect.

Contemplation

Mindset: Acknowledgement that the problem exists and are you ambivalent or unsure about making any changes.
Common Thoughts: “I might want to change”… but “I’m not ready.”
A feeling of being “stuck” .
Goal: Weigh pros and cons of options and build motivation to consider changing your thinking , your point of view or your actions.
Action: Look for support and resources for change and begin to see the benefits.

Consider options with pros and cons for each option

Preparation

Mindset: you Intend to take action soon and may have begun making small changes in behaviors and thoughts about change. A sense of possibility is developing.
Common Thoughts: “I’m ready to take action.” I do not have the tools or resources to act yet, but it looks a like a good idea”.
Goal: Develop a plan to begin and gather resources. Develop feasibility, details, costs of time and money, so it becomes real.

Action

Mindset: Actively changing behavior and thinking
Common Thoughts: “I’m doing it!” ” I am starting!”
Taking concrete steps and they may be inconsistent with follow through.
Goal: Stick to the plan, manage obstacles. This is the time for making promises, commitments, and requests and gathering support, coaches, and mentors.

Maintenance

Mindset: Sustaining behavior changes, preventing relapses. New practices and actions are embraced and being adopted, and backsliding and interruptions are being dealt with as they come up.
You have momentum with new actions and seeing some results.
Common Thoughts: “I’ve changed, now I need to keep it up.”
Goal: Strengthen coping skills and long-term commitment.
Get coaching and support to maintain improvements and recover from backsliding

Relapse

Mindset
Acknowledging that setbacks are part of the process and can lead to growth if handled constructively.
This is about being able to recover and getting back on track when
your discipline and good judgement fail.
Goals
Learning how to plan and avoid breakdowns.