Action:

You have finally made it to the Action Stage where you are actively working to make a change in your life. This stage is generally the shortest in the entire process. You are dedicated to making a change, and you are taking steps and using your own willpower to force yourself to change. The greatest problem of this particular stage is it has the highest likelihood of relapsing back into a previous stage. This is generally the stage where you are most open to receiving the help and support needed to make a lasting change. Support is one of the key differences between those who make it to the next stage (Maintenance) vs those who Relapse at this point back to previous steps.

Characteristics:

• Practicing their New Behavior
• Taking Direct Action Toward a Goal
  
  

Strategies:

• Reward Success in change
• Seek out Support + Affirmation
• Developing Plans for Obstacles
• Combat Feelings of Loss with Long-Term Benefit Reiteration
  

Your Turn:

Can you identify when you were in this stage for the specific situation you thought of earlier? What do you imagine you were you thinking about during this stage?

Notes:

This is where coaching with a professional can come in handy. We provide accountability for you to meet your goals and get you out of your own way; as well as provide resources that you may not have otherwise found or known about to make your actions sustainable. At this level, having reminders for self-coaching and another person who has witnessed your growth and change is a key element of lasting change. We could all use a pep talk or reminder of "You've got this!" from an outside source.