The Cycle of Change

The process of making a change has been studied a lot and many theories are out there outlining the different stage of it. Quite surprisingly I have read it is scientifically proven that a significant change can take up to 2 years to happen on average!

A guy called Prochaska has described change through a transtheoretical model which lists the stages of change as follows:

Precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance and termination. As you can see, the process is long although you would not really be able to distinguish between the stage while change is happening - you might see it later when looking back.

As I am currently reviewing myself and the changes I am trying to make I have come up with the following stages:

• call for change (could be intense frustration and feeling stuck), realization of the old way not working

• gaining knowledge

• putting it into practice

• review and the cycle can repeat

What I am currently working on is seeing how my own thoughts create my reality. It is of course an endless source of information! But if one wants to make a change then trying to do it at the level of action can be too late - our thoughts have led to emotions which control our actions.

These stages can overlap, you can also go back and forth. I feel gaining knowledge and putting it into practice for example can overlap easily. Change is messy.

As there is no timeline you have to trust your intuition about when to stop, when to push through and keep going. There is only your own mindset and putting in the work + massive belief in yourself. Also, there is help along the way. One day you will see the results.

Not everything will work and stick around. For me, meditation is something that has come o my life so many times only to leave soon again. I can also view it now from the perspective of my own thoughts - why do I even consider it so important? Is it possible that I do not need it? Only I have the answer:)

Coaching is all about change. Change of belief, change of habit, setting a new goal. If something resonates with you, please get in touch and let's explore further!