Why is it so difficult to get out of our comfort zone and change a bad habit?
Research shows that people who successfully change their behavior go through a series of stages, and cycle through them a few times. Each stage needs different strategies. If you set goals that you are not ready for, you set yourself up for failure.
Let’s look at the stages.
1. Pre-contemplation
If you are on this stage, you don’t know or accept that you have a problem, but your loved ones do see it clearly. You may change if there is enough pressure, but once the pressure is removed, you quickly revert.
2. Contemplation
Here you know that you have a problem and you begin to think about solving it. Although, many people may remain in the contemplation stage for years.
3. Preparation
This stage means that you are planning to make changes within the next month.
The first step is to make your intention public. Then, begin to plan: write down the strategy and look for help. People who cut the preparation stage short lower their chances of success.
4. Action
Action is the busiest period, and it requires the greatest commitment of time and energy. You can start setting minimal goals and taking small steps. It takes about a month for a new action to become habit.
5. Maintenance
Here you acknowledge the gains you made and work to prevent relapses. This stage is an ongoing process. We all know someone who lost many pounds on a diet, but regained them all in a few months.
6. Termination
Your problem will no longer present any threat. However, some experts believe that certain problems cannot be terminated, but only controlled.
Most of us are creatures of habit. We buy the same foods from the same grocery store, or live within our own familiar routines. To know your stage and to advance to the next one, you have to:
- Be aware of the bad habits you want to fix.
- Figure out why these habits exist and,
- Figure out how you’ll slowly change your habits into healthier new ones.
Remember – you’re much more likely to be successful at changing your habits if you take things one step at a time. In the end, if we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives. Just do it!
