Habits

Habits can be both useful and detrimental to our lives. If you have a bad habit to change, you will need to go through six stages of change according to the book "Changing for the Good".

While I can't list the details of each stage, just the names of them should give you an idea of what the process is to change a habit.

Stage 1: Pre-Contemplation - aware of a habit but not willing to make the effort to change
Stage 2: Contemplation - thinking about changing the habit
Stage 3: Preparation - beginning to plan how to change the habit
Stage 4: Action - doing something to change the habit
Stage 5: Maintenance - maintaining the change and avoiding slipping back
Stage 5: Termination - the problem is fully resolved and no longer presents a temptation

The stages will seldom resolve in the order listed and indeed it may be tough to even see what stage you are in as they blend together as you progress. You will often go though the stages several times in the case of a difficult to break habit.

The main thing to remember is that no habit can be changed unless you are ready and willing to make the change. Convincing our subconsious of this decision may be the most difficult thing you do in the process.

Gordon Johansen
Director - Gurutropolis