The only thing between WHO YOU ARE NOW and WHO YOU WANT TO BE TOMORROW is BEHAVIORAL CHANGE.

Why can’t the alcoholic realize how much his behavior is ruining his life? 
How hard can it possibly be to stop smoking?

If you don’t have any of these toxic habits, you’ve probably asked yourself these two questions on numerous occasions. However, I’ve come to realize, from both personal and professional experience, how very challenging behavioral change really is. Unfortunately, looking in from the outside makes it quite easy to judge. But, your judgments and opinions certainly do not help the situation. In fact, they often make things much worse. If you really want to support someone who is suffering from a toxic habit, what you do need is a whole lot of education, encouragement and empathy. That’s exactly why I want you to really understand the theoretical approach to behavioral change. Keep reading and I’ll convince you why this theory is fundamental.

“There is nobility in compassion, a beauty in empathy, a grace in forgiveness.” – John Connolly.

Why is the theoretical approach of behavioral change even important?

Most of us are, or know someone who is currently struggling with behavioral change. The theoretical approach to behavioral change is one of the most useful models relating to behavioral changes.

In fact, this model will truly help you to develop a thorough understanding of the process of change so that you can implement tailored strategies to increase your possibility of success.

Think about how physically or mentally challenging it has been for you to make a change in any area of your life.  After learning the theoretical model of behavioral change, you’ll realize that, regardless of how big or small, change is a process and is often a very hard and bumpy one.

However, if you stay committed to the process, you’ll likely reap the most amazing rewards.

If you’re reading this and are desirous of change, the good news is that you’re already on your journey so now you only have to keep going. Change may be challenging but regret is much, much harder.

Since change will definitely happen, we should make a calculated, premeditated effort to ensure that the outcome is as positive as possible.

Can everyone change?

I really believe that everyone, with time, preparation, and the correct resources, can change. However, the most important aspects to achieve that change are vision, motivation and a personal unwavering desire for change.

Are you willing to make a deliberate effort to change? Have you identified your WHY, i.e., your motivation for change? Although behavioral change is complex, you can do it. Just take it one day at a time and remember to celebrate even the little victories.

“Your life does not get better by chance; it gets better by change.” - Jim Rohn

Stage of Transtheoretical Model	Characteristics	Activities to Progress
1- Precontemplation	Denial, unawareness No desire for change	Education Consciousness raising
2- Contemplation	Uncertainty, confusion Realizes problem exists Starts desiring change; no commitment	Self evaluation Identify barriers Address concerns
3- Preparation	Realization that change is important Takes first steps Extends to first month of change	Self commitment Social liberation Set SMART goals
4- Action	Plan in action Extends from 1-6 months of change	Social support Substitute with healthy behavior (counter-conditioning) Control Stimulus
5- Maintenance	Old behavior replaced After 6 months of change	Positive reinforcement Control Stimulus Remain motivated
6- Relapse / Termination	Disappointment if relapse	Encouragement, support

Stages of the theoretical approach to behavioral change

Now let’s discover the 6 stages of behavioral change that most of you will likely go through. It’s important to note that before completely eliminating a toxic habit, people will recycle through these stages several times.

Stage 1 of the theoretical approach

Precontemplation: "I don't have a problem."

In this first stage of the theoretical approach to behavioral change, you’re still in denial and there is no actual intention to change.

Consequently, you are completely reluctant to behavioral change, don’t want to be told what to do, are overwhelmed by the mere thought of change, or have convinced yourself of the benefits of continuing that habit.

Additionally, you may also have decided to give up after previous unsuccessful attempts.  However, even though you’re trying to avoid it, you may sense that external sources such as family, friends, and/or media are pressuring you to change.

Stage 2 of the theoretical approach

Contemplation: "Maybe I have a problem"

In the Contemplation stage, you actually realize that you have a problem and start talking and desiring change. However, although there is increased awareness; there is no action plan in place.

Notably, many persons, due to confusion and uncertainty spend the most time at this stage and it is often the most difficult.

Stage 3 of the theoretical approach

Preparation: "I'm going to change"

In the third stage of the theoretical approach to change, you realize that change is worth the effort. As such, you being to take steps towards change. This stage usually extends until the first month of deliberate effort to change the specific behavior.

Stage 4 of the theoretical approach

Action: "I'm changing"

You now have a plan that is fully in action and your adherence is likely making you experience significant change. It goes without saying that this stage often takes a lot of effort to stay committed.

However, you’re starting to get praise from those happy for your change and condemnation from the community involved in the lifestyle you’re trying to leave behind.

The Action Stage of the theoretical approach extends from the first to the sixth month of behavioral change.

Stage 5 of the theoretical approach

Maintenance: "I'm a new person"

Maintenance is often deemed the most important stage. After 6 months of initiating change, you’ve now establishing a new behavior over an extended period. As such, you’re really realizing all that you were able to accomplish.

Stage 6 of the theoretical approach

Relapse or Termination: "I'm back to my old behavior"

Relapse or termination is the final stage of the theoretical approach to behavioral change and usually comes with many emotions particularly disappointment and feelings of failure if relapse occurs.

However, you need to realize that relapsing is common. As such, you should start again.

For most toxic habits, the possibility of relapse will always be evident, even though less intense with more time and effort. Unfortunately, those triggers and tests to get you back to your old ways may never completely disappear.

That’s why you need to be constantly aware of that possibility and have an evolving plan for success.

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”- Socrates

How long does it take to go through the stages of the theoretical approach to behavioral change?

There are numerous factors that influence how long behavioral change takes. These include, but are not limited to, the type and intensity of the habit itself, life circumstances, barriers and protective factors and you health situation.

According to Healthline (2019), it takes approximately 66 days for a new habit to become automatic.

However, in most cases I would not recommend intense changes or abrupt withdrawals. These are often not sustainable. Further, going cold turkey (abrupt cessation) can cause numerous symptoms.

Remember, just as your mind, your body also needs to adapt to the change, especially if you had that habit for a prolonged period. So, don’t aim for success in a few days or even weeks. It can take several months or years.

Regardless, even if it takes a lifetime for you to confidently say that you’ve completely overcome a habit, your body will start reaping the benefits in a very short period.

Check out my video on the stages of change. Remember to subscribe to stay up to date with my latest content.

Reasons why change efforts fail

Not being prepared/ready

Often, persons start the process of behavioral change without actually being fully prepared for the journey. This may be because of a sudden life event that increased their awareness of the need to change.

As such, with time, as the influence of the experience diminishes and, without the appropriate tools for the process, they may regrettably relapse.

Lack of knowledge of the process.

Many persons lack the essential knowledge, understanding and techniques required to progress through the stages of the theoretical approach to behavioral change.

Like anything, it’s important to do your research and use professional help when possible so that you’re fully aware of what to expect. If you do, you can subsequently think about strategies to overcome those hard days.

Lack motivation

Sometimes, it’s just that you don’t want the change bad enough and lack the motivation to stay committed to the challenges that will come with the journey.

You probably still underestimate the value of change and are finding considerable reasons to continue the habit.

Unrealistic expectation

A lot of persons have a different perception of how behavioral change occurs and revert to their old ways once things don’t go as expected.

Additionally, some persons may have been initially overconfident and become discouraged when they realize that change is harder than they anticipated.

Lack of support

The presence of social and professional support are important protective factors and help you stay energized and committed to change.

“Knowledge is an unending adventure at the edge of uncertainty” -Jacob Bronowski

Final words on the theoretical approach to behavioral change

Fortunately, a lot of persons already realize that they have a toxic habit. As such, instead of constantly reminding them, the best thing you can do is to really understand the reasons for their behavior and becoming informed about the process of change. 

Increasing your knowledge will help you find ways to help them to progress through the stages of the theoretical approach to behavioral change.

I’ve just informed you of the process, challenges, and strategies to achieve behavioral change. Now it’s your chance to step forward and truly embrace change. You’re all set. Even if you stumble, remain self-disciplined and keep reaching for change.

Kindly note that although I highlight smoking as an example throughout this article, it is by far not the only toxic habit. Click here for a full list of toxic habits that affect your health and success.  

“Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we’re capable of change.”- Brene Brown

If you are a smoker, please don’t view this post as me being biased towards smoking.  

However, I was compelled to use this as an example because smoking remains the number one cause of preventable death and results in an excess of 7 million deaths annually.

Additionally, it decreases your life expectancy by at least 10 years and may cause significant morbidity and disability (CDC, 2020). As such, this is one habit that is at least worth every single effort it takes to change.

Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone and commit to behavioral change?

Let me know what strategies you think are most helpful for behavioral change. If you haven’t done so already, share this post if you found it helpful.

Are you ready for change?

Take the quiz below to find if you’re really ready for change. 

“The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change”-Maya Angelou

Related topics

Why is behavioral change important?

Reasons for wanting behavior changes are many and varied and can be personal, health-related, environmental, or social in nature. Change generally doesn’t occur without a reason to prompt it, so it’s worth considering what your reasons are before you get started trying to alter your behavior.

Trying to sustain a behavioral modification long-term is much easier when done for the right reasons and with a positive motivation – so choose yours wisely. Here are some common reasons for wanting to achieve behavior change. Read more

What are the keys for lasting behavior change?

Behavior change is a complex process that requires time, effort, and commitment. There are many factors that can influence whether or not a person is successful in changing their behavior, but there are some key elements that are essential for lasting change.

References

CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020) Smoking and Tobacco Use.

Prochaska JO, DiClemente CC, Norcross JC. In search of how people change. Applications to addictive behaviors. Am Psychol. 1992 Sep;47(9):1102-14.

Scott Frothingham (2019) How long does it take for a new behavior to become automatic?