Are you ready to change? How to create healthy habits that last
Are you ready to change?
Sounds a simple question, right? But these five words are fundamental in health coaching. Because, if you’re not ready to change, then it’s much harder to make lasting change happen.
That’s because health coaching relies on you to do the work. I don’t tell you what to do – to eat a certain diet. To start exercising. To go to bed earlier? Or manage your stress. I guide, educate and support you through a change, but the change starts with you.
So how do you know you are ready?
Many of us think change should happen the moment we decide we want it. That we wake up one day, put our superhero ‘change’ cape on and away we go on our mission to a different life! A healthy life.
No surprises that it doesn’t work like that! In reality, change happens in stages. We call it the behaviour wheel of change because it’s a continual cycle of change. Here’s how it works.
1. "I'm not ready yet" (Pre-contemplation)
At this stage, you're not really thinking about making a change. Perhaps life feels too busy, you don't see a problem, or you've got more pressing things to focus on.
You might hear yourself saying: "I'll think about it another time."
2. "Maybe something needs to change" (Contemplation)
Awareness kicks in. You start noticing that something isn't quite working for you anymore. You begin weighing up the pros and cons and wondering whether a change might help.
You might be thinking: "Things can't carry on like this forever."
3. "I'm getting ready" (Preparation)
Now you're moving from thinking to planning. You haven't made the change yet, but it's becoming more urgent. You are exploring options, gathering information and deciding what might work for you. This is when you might think: “I’ll investigate health coaching”
4. "I'm taking action" (Action)
This is where new habits begin. This stage can feel exciting, but it can also feel uncomfortable because you're doing things differently. Remember, progress matters more than perfection.
5. "I'm making it part of my life" (Maintenance)
Over time, the change starts to happen naturally. You realise that it’s become part of your everyday. In fact, it feels weird if you’re not doing the new behaviour or habit. This is where real, lasting change happens.
And then... life happens! (The Wobble)
This is the stage many people don't talk about. Life happens. Maybe work gets hectic. Family life takes over. You're tired, stressed, travelling or dealing with something unexpected. And that’s okay.
The goal isn't 100% perfection. The goal is learning how to get back on track when life gets in the way. A wobble is not a failure. It’s part of the process.
The people who successfully make lasting changes aren't the ones who never wobble. They're the ones who don't quit when a wobble comes along.
The takeaway
If you're thinking about making a change, be kind to yourself. Change isn't about becoming a different person. It's about taking small, realistic steps towards the version of yourself you want to be – one day at a time.
And when you’re ready for change, you’ll know.