Why we give up on our goals and how to get back on track
Making real lifestyle changes is hard – but not impossible. Most people who set a goal or resolution fail on their first try, and quit right then and there. In fact, most people fail to stick with a goal after one month (60%), and even less make it to the 3-month mark (80%). Not surprisingly, as we near the end of January we start to face setbacks. But research has proven that relapse is a normal part of the change process.
The Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Change is used to identify the number of stages that people typically go through as they try to make a change. While there are many theories of behaviour change, this is one of the most widely accepted theories. According to this model, there are six stages: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse.
Keep in mind you’ll likely waver back and forth between stages throughout your journey. The shift back and forth may be caused by internal (i.e., changes in confidence) and external (i.e., commitments to family, work) factors, but there are different support mechanisms to help you ‘muscle through’ to the next stage. We’ll dive deeper into these stages in a later post…
NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN YOUR JOURNEY, WE’RE HERE TO HELP!
If you’re ready to get started (or looking to get back on track), check out our program.
HERE’S WHAT WE’VE COVERED SO FAR:
- Select the behaviour(s) you want to change
- Identify barriers associated with the selected behaviour(s)
- Design a strategy to help you address these barriers
- Pilot, or give it a try!
- Evaluate and refine
Change is hard, but it’s not impossible.
If you haven’t already–sign up for Get Started today for more motivation to get and stay active in 2018. We’re here to help you move from the “I won’t do it” stage to “Yes, I did it!”
