New Year's resolutions can be a great way to set goals and make positive changes in our lives, but it's important to understand that behavior modification takes time, preparation, and practice to get right. This is why 40% of people fail with their resolutions in the first month. The Five Stages of Change, a model for understanding behavior modification, can help us reach our goals more effectively.
The first stage is Pre-Contemplation, where we may not yet acknowledge that there is a problem behavior that needs to be addressed. The second stage is Contemplation, where we are aware of the behavior we want to change, but not yet ready to take action. The third stage is Preparation, where we make a plan and set steps to achieve our goals. The fourth stage is Action, where we put our plan into action and make progress. And the final stage is Maintenance, which is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the changes we've made. By understanding these stages, we can better set ourselves up for success with our New Year's resolutions.
Instead of starting on January 1st, which might not be the best idea, take the time to think about which stage of change you are currently in, and plan accordingly. If you're in the pre-contemplation stage, take the time to think about what changes you want to make, and if you're ready to make them. If you're in the contemplation stage, make a plan and set steps to achieve your goals. Remember, the most important thing is to make sure that you're ready to change, and that you're maintaining it long-term.