| Motivation to staying with a fitness program is a science itself. So often, people will start an exercise program many times before it becomes part of their life. This is no mystery.
The "Transtheoretical Model", developed by James O. Prochaska and Carlos C. DiClemente, best describes the stages that individuals go through when they try to change a behavior. According to this model, there are five stages that an individual will progress through when developing or modifying a behavior. The stages are:
Pre-contemplation - individuals with no intention of making a behavior change.
Tips to motivate this person:
Typically these individuals will dismiss any advice for helping them make a change. Instead of trying to push a person in this stage into action, try to educate and build subtle awareness of benefits of the new behavior.
Contemplation – individuals considering a change. They recognize a particular need to make the change, but are not ready commit to taking action.
Tips to motivate this individual:
Continue to support his or her path toward change. Stay on pace with their desire to know more and the topics that are of most importance to them.
Preparation – in this stage, individuals begin to make small changes to prepare for the adoption of a larger behavior change in the very near future
Tips to motivate this individual:
This is a very pivotal point in change. Validate, celebrate and support the small changes made. Continue to enforce the benefits of the behavior they are working toward.
Action – individuals are actively engaging in the new behavior!
Tips to motivate this individual:
Celebrate any outcomes or results of the new behavior. Try to create intrinsic value to the new behavior. Continue to educate on the benefits and support accomplishments.
Maintenance – individuals who are adhering to the behavior change.
Tips to motivate this individual:
Even though the behavior is being implemented, this person still needs to be motivated to ‘stick with it’. Help this person to reflect on their journey. Focus on the successes that they have had on the journey and the benefits they reap from the new behavior. Suggest that he or she seek out a friend or relative that could help support the new behavior on a consistent basis.
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