Dr. John C. Norcross uses peer reviewed literature to break down the process of change into its component parts. He assumes that someone is at least open to change as it is pointless to consider change if there is no motivation. The first stages involve raising awareness and planning. The next stage is actually attempting to take action. The last stages involve the maintenance of change until it becomes a habit that does not require effort. He breaks them into psych, prep, perspire, persevere and persist.
The five steps of change
He discusses catalysts for change and notes that different ones are required for different stages. Rewards are needed during the take action phase. Pondering and self examination are needed in the raising awareness and planning stage. However going into full ponder mode during the action stage grinds things to a halt. Offering rewards during the planning stage prevents any action being taken.
Sustaining change
He provides an excellent website Changeologybook.com with exercises to assist people with the process of change. He also lists his favorite apps and his favorite movies focused on people dealing with difficult change. I watched one of the recent films Rachel Getting Married about a young woman returning to her family for her sisters wedding after a stint in drug rehabilitation. It kept my attention even though the subject matter was not pleasant
For Lent our Methodist church is reviewing Romans chapter 12 and using it as a guide to change the mind, body and spirit. This book is an excellent complement to that process. We are most productive in the morning because we have the most willpower after a night's sleep.
The book Changeology: 5 Steps to Realizing Your Goals and Resolutions is available from Amazon.com
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