Seasons of Change with Cat Wilson
Do you know when you are ready to make a change? Are you working with others in a coaching position where you deal with change?
In Growing Coach Training we train growing coaches how to work with people on many levels.
When it comes to change, there are seasons of change.
One model is called TTM or Transtheoretical model, developed by James Prochaska in 1977 with a group of colleagues.
Stages of Change
People may tell you they want to do something different. Yet, many are in a process of getting to that point. Here are Prochaska’s stages of change.
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance
- Termination
Seasons of Change
At the beginning there is an “intention.” It’s about starting a healthy behavior sometime in the future. This is “Precontemplation” and this is where they may be unaware and need to learn more.
“Contemplation” is where a person still has ambivalence and puts off action. They still need to learn about who they could become.
In the “Preparation” stage, a person starts taking small steps. For example finding a photo of them in a yoga pose and posting it on the refrigerator prior to signing up for a yoga class. They may still be concerned that if they move forward and act they might fail.
Moving on to “Action” is learning techniques for keeping up commitments, such as learning substitute activities for an old habit. For example, drinking cranberry juice with fizzy water instead of drinking wine.
“Maintenance” is about change and maintenance. The person has changed, and they spend time with people in healthy ways to stay engaged in good activities. For example, instead of hanging out at the bar, go to a cafe and meet friends for tea.
The stage where a person is fully engaged in the healthy activity is called “Termination.” This is were zero temptation is reached.
Confidence and Change
Confidence and change comes in time.
Coaching helps people making change to reach their goals with support of an interested co-partner.
Cat Wilson is a Coach Instructor who teaches about going through change in Module IV of the Growing Coach Training program.
Here is a brief tip from yours truly, talking about change.