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Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?

You’ve thought about making a healthy lifestyle change – losing a few pounds, eating more vegetables or going to the gym more often. Perhaps you’ve even taken that first step – signed up for a weight loss program, improved your grocery list or purchased a gym membership. But somewhere on your journey, the next step and the step after that have stopped you short of finding success. Sound familiar?

The Five Stages of Change

  1. I’ve thought about thinking about it (Pre-contemplative Stage) — You may feel that any kind of change would take too long, would be too hard and you’re not ready to make the commitment yet.
  2. I’ve thought about it (Contemplative Stage) — You’re thinking about making a change, but have only scratched the surface on what the next step should be.
  3. I’m preparing to take action (Preparation Stage) — This change is important to you, you’re focused, dedicated and getting prepared by purchasing new running shoes or creating a list of quick, healthy recipes.
  4. I’m in it to win it (Action Stage) — Taking action is the first step to seeing tangible results.
  5. This change is part of my lifestyle (Maintenance Stage) — Maintaining this change and keeping the momentum through ups and downs is easier said than done, but with support you can do it.

Learn how your New Year’s resolution can lead to a real change through SMART choices.

Where Are You at Today?

Whether you are taking practical steps to make a change, or the thought of change hasn’t even crossed your mind, every person’s journey is unique and individual. Therefore, it’s important to embrace where you are today and remember that a positive attitude can propel you forward.

  1. Exercise and healthy eating are not a possibility for me right now. If you find yourself here, you are in the Pre-contemplative Stage. Think about the reasons why a healthy lifestyle is not feasible for you and brainstorm ways you can make a small change today.
Get Support on Your Journey

Committing to change is difficult and it can be even more difficult to do it alone. Get people in your life involved in your process to help you succeed!

  • Family – Getting the family to eat healthier will help you resist temptation and stay motivated.
  • Friends – Have a friend keep you accountable for your workout regimen. Or better yet, workout together!
  • Co-workers – Clue in a few co-workers about your lifestyle change so you don’t feel obligated to eat that birthday cake at the office.
  • Health Coach – Having support from a health expert can be one of your best resources as you try to improve your lifestyle. They will keep you accountable and help you take the next step, and - the step after that.
  1. I might be able to workout or eat healthier foods, but I’m busy at work and the kids’ schedules are demanding. Recognizing that a change is possible means you’re in the Contemplative Stage. Can you find 30 minutes in your week to walk or prepare sliced fruits or veggies as snacks for you and the kids?
  2. If I want to workout more, I need to drag the treadmill out of the closet – or reactivate my gym membership. Identifying the steps you need to take to accomplish your goal means you are in the Preparation Stage. Now, schedule this activity on your calendar a few days a week and stick to it just as you would a meeting with your supervisor.
  3. I’m jogging on the treadmill twice a week for 30 minutes, and snacking on fruit instead of chips. Taking that first step to implement your lifestyle change means you are in the Action Stage. Think about any potential barriers that could get in your way of maintaining this behavior for the long term.
  4. It’s been 3 months and I’m still doing my workout routine as I planned – and it’s getting easier. A true sign of progress is being able to maintain the regimen you put in place – you may actually start to enjoy it! You can be in the Maintenance Stage indefinitely, as you continue to make progress. Be sure to assess your progress, attitude and schedule on a regular basis to prevent any slip-ups that could sneak up.

Taking the Next Step

The journey to achieve lasting change is unique for everyone. There is no set formula to follow that will move you through the various stages of change and you may even experience a set-back or two along the way. The important thing is not to give up - as you keep progressing, no matter how small the change, each stage will naturally flow into the next. 

Remember, you don’t have to go it alone. Abbott has the programs to help you incorporate healthy lifestyle changes to take care of yourself and build your resiliency.