Making the Change for Good - Part 3
Yesterday I discussed action and maintenance in the stages of change model. Today I will finish up and discuss the final stages of change.
6. Relapse: This is a word no one really likes to hear but it is reality in the course of changing behavior patterns. Relapse is common and is to be expected virtually at any stage of change. The important thing is not to view yourself as a failure. It is an integral part of the process and it requires you to view the experience as an opportunity to learn from past mistakes. Learn to embrace your mishaps in a more loving way and you will eventually attain real maintenance and hopefully move into transcendence.
7. Transendance: Marc F. Kern, Ph.D added this as a final stage. This is when "to return to old habits would deem atypical, abnormal, even weird to you." This is when we know our new found habits have really taken hold once and for all!
So where are you in the stages of change? Are you ready to change? Where do you get stuck? How can you successfully manever through these stages to enjoy long term weight loss success and all the benefits it brings?
