Over the last couple of weeks, we updated our vision of ideal well-being, identified the highest priorities for change, and measured the gap between current and desired states of mind and heart, health and habit. Surely with those tools in our kit, we are ready to roll, right? Wrong.
Enter the concept of "readiness for change," developed by psychologist James Prochaska. According to Prochaska, when confronted with the possibility of health-promoting behavioral change, we go through predictable stages:
- Pre-contemplation (I should change, but I won't or I can't.)
- Contemplation (I may initiate a change in the next few months.)
- Preparation (I intend to change and am planning the first steps.)
- Action (I'm doing it! I really am!)
- Maintenance (I'm still doing it; it has become a habit.)
Motivation is the fuel that moves us from stage to stage along Readiness Road. The more important, deeply personal, and urgently compelling my reasons for change, the more likely I am to light the fire that takes me from thinking to acting and keeping it up.
I am planning to become more active because I want to: sleep well, manage stress more effectively, maintain a healthy weight, reduce blood sugar and cholesterol, and improve my ability to work and play without running out of steam.
I am creating more "white space" on the calendar because I want to: cultivate mindfulness with reading, meditation and journaling; nap when I get tired during the day; maintain a calmer, less frenzied pace; be available for friends and family.
I am returning to school because I want to: acquire new skills and credentials that expand my career options; exercise my brain and re-activate my love of learning; meet new people who share my interests.
Motivation comes in many flavors, shapes, and sizes. Not all motivation is equal in power or persistence. Behavioral research shows that, in general:
It is more effective to focus on the positive results of success than to dwell on the negative implications of failure.
Changes that resonate with deeply held values (more energy for love and service) are more sustainable than those driven by transitory expectations (looking good at the wedding or class reunion).
Personal motivation is more powerful than the motivation to placate others (spousal nagging) or follow expert advice (doctor's orders).
Change is more likely if I see it as a choice (I want), not an obligation (I need ).
