People make small changes every day, but most of those changes aren’t life altering. For most of us, when we are faced with a decision on a grand scale, it’s much more difficult. However, when there is an understanding of The 5 Stages of Change, it’s a lot easier to implement change—big or small.
The first stage, Precontemplation, is akin to window-shopping. During this time, you’re trying on a lot of different ideas and seeing which ones call out to you. This stage tends to be characterized by a certain degree of denial or worry over whether a change needs to take place, but it is also a time of curiosity.
As this is the first step to making a change, Precontemplation can last a long time, even years. Here are a couple tips to managing this first step:
Don’t get caught up in the collective fear. These are the assumptions that people make that keep them stuck in a rut. If you’ve heard yourself saying things like, “There are just no opportunities right now in my field,” or another excuse you may have heard from someone else, realize it might actually be coming from a collective fear.
Tip: Question right away if your assumption is absolutely true. Chances are that if someone else out there IS finding an opportunity, this is not true—it’s just a belief system that you can challenge and change.
Notice the small things. When a change needs to happen, there will be subtle clues. This includes health problems, lack of motivation or exhaustion, and even comments from others with suggestions for a new direction. During this time you might not be looking for a change, but if you pay attention to the small things, answers will come.
Tip: Start listening to what is really going on inside. Stop and listen to your gut feelings. Also, listen to what others are telling you—both positive and negative. Do some journaling and start exploring where you’ve been and where you’re going.
For more tips on The 5 Stages of Change, check out the complete Success Formula for Change website.
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