We all go through several stages when we change. stage one is not thinking about changing. not thinking about it at all. we can get locked into denial, rationalizing our behavior because we want to stay there. We can all relate to this at some point on our journey.
Stage two is thinking about changing. we read a book; we gather information. if you have gotten to stage two, you deserve applause for the effort it’s taken to get to this stage. You’re aware that your health could use improvement, and you’re investigating how that might happen.
Stage three is planning. it is sitting down and creating an action step that is specific and measurable. Maybe we write down our goals to exercise for thirty minutes a day, three times a week. we mark our calendars with those appointments and begin to get into new routines with those life-giving habits.
Stage three isn’t the end of the journey, but it’s a solid beginning that deserves to be celebrated. We can’t get to the stage of actually changing without these preliminary steps.
