Prepping for Change - Resolutions Maybe

We are wrapping up another year very shortly.  Whether you are into actual resolutions or just thinking about some changes you want to make, regardless of the New Year, lets talk about the stages of change because making any significant change really does have stages.  I've gone thru all of this so many times I should have a PhD in Attempting Change.  Clearly all my changes have not met with success or I would be so perfect today I would bore myself to death!  So in some twisted way, I love the fact that I can always find something to change.

Precontemplation - This stage almost doesn't count.  You aren't ready.  The very thought of change brings a sense of hopelessness from previous failed attempts.  Either that, or you can literally feel the sweat on your brow at the thought of how much work this change means.  You take a nap because you are so exhausted precontemplating.

Contemplation - No sense of urgency here but at least you are really thinking now.  Trouble is, fear of change creeps in.  You may know you need to change something but man, you are so comfortable with this (whatever it is).  If you do too much thinking at this stage you could conceivably talk yourself right out of doing ANYthing.  You may need another nap!

Preparation - Oh boy, you are taking baby steps now, look out!  You probably did not prepare as much as you should have, maybe you should have help, a plan B, support from somebody?  If you don't know where to turn for help or support, this small step you took, while a good step, could go retrograde on you. (seeming to appear to go backwards)

Action - If you expect too much too soon, (ah yes don't we all?) you have opened the door.  On the other side of this door is fear of failure and feeling inept.  Are you more into perfection than progress?  Slam the door, slap the perfectionist!  Celebrate every little bit of progress you've made!  If you can treat setbacks and challenges as opportunities for growth you will see your goal evolve.  Bite the bullet - keep going.

Maintenance - Uh oh, this is the boring coming - the plateau.  You've had some success but you are getting tired.  Maybe you are losing your enthusiasm altogether.  Try to remember what motivated you in the first place.  Avoid any people or situations that could trigger a relapse.  This stage could be six months of action already.  Do reward yourself with something.  Pat yourself on the back.  Try to hang out with people who are doing whatever it is you are doing successfully and use their energies to help you at this stage.  It's not as much help you need, but encouragement.

CHANGE.  You are not going back.  You've done it - whatever it is.  See?  I told you that you could do it!  You KNEW you could do this!  And now you have!  Celebrate!

Don't ask yourself what is next.  There is always a next.  My advice is don't go looking for it.  It will find you.

I would be remiss here not even acknowledging a good healthy level of self-acceptance, which I could write volumes on.  Really loving who you are is of major importance.  Some of the stuff I'm working on in relation to change is really adding things to who/what I am - learning Spanish, getting a decent golf swing (which I'm told means thousands of hours at a driving range), juicing more (and better), sticking with my exercise program etc etc.  I hit all the above mentioned stages no matter what it is I'm doing.  Hopefully this will inspire you (somehow) to do whatever it is YOU want to do.  Let me know if any of this resonates with you in the comments.

As this year comes to a close, I want to say thank you to all my readers who have read my blogs, some of you for years now.  I treasure all of you, especially the faithful commentors.  I wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year!  I'll be back in January - hope you will be too!  Hugs to all, SuZen