First, I Want You To Pick Something You Have Been Thinking ✓ Solved

First I Want You To Pick Something That You Have Been Think

First, I want you to pick something that you have been thinking about changing in your life (maybe a major decision) yet you have been on the fence in doing it or unsuccessful in getting to it. Something that you are willing to talk about in class that's appropriate. It must be meaningful. It may be something that you have attempted to change in the past or maybe not. Yet, it is something that is often at the forefront in your thinking or that you are waiting for a "perfect" time to do it.

Be concrete, just pick one thing. Once you name it, access the article from the UMUC library, In Search of How People Change: Applications to addictive behaviors by Prochaska, DiClemente, and Norcross. Read this seminal work. Then write your post. Introduce what you have been thinking about changing specifically, then use the resource link above and discuss the stage that you are currently in and justify in detail why you selected this stage versus others. Make sure you indicate why you are not in the other stages too.

There are many people who have fraudulently taken this model and added stages -- only use this resources. Don't take a short-cut and only read the client-friendly version because your post will reflect this. Remember always paragraph form -- and this is a minimum of a 2 paragraph submission for your own post.

Paper For Above Instructions

In contemplating the changes I wish to make in my life, I have continually found myself focused on adopting a healthier lifestyle through regular exercise and a balanced diet. More specifically, I have been thinking about committing to a regular workout routine in order to improve my overall health and well-being. This is not merely a fleeting thought; rather, it has taken a prominent position in my mind due to my awareness of the numerous benefits associated with physical activity. Over the years, I have attempted to integrate exercise into my routine but have struggled with consistency, often falling short of my goals. Despite my previous attempts, I have yet to create a sustainable habit that allows me to effectively build and maintain my physical fitness.

To understand my current situation better, I accessed the seminal work “In Search of How People Change” by Prochaska, DiClemente, and Norcross, which outlines the stages of change model. After careful consideration, I would categorize myself as being in the "Preparation" stage of change. This stage typically involves individuals who are intending to take action in the immediate future and are actively making plans to change. I have reached the point where I am not only aware of my desire to get fit but have also started to take concrete steps toward making it happen. For instance, I have begun researching workout programs, gathering information on proper nutrition, and scheduling time in my calendar to incorporate exercises into my week. The stages prior to "Preparation" do not aptly describe my current state. I have moved beyond "Contemplation," where I might have initially reflected on my desire to change without taking any specific steps. Also, I am not in the "Action" stage because I have yet to fully implement a consistent routine that would signify the successful completion of my goal.

Furthermore, I understand that the other stages—namely "Precontemplation," "Contemplation," and "Action"—do not apply to me at this time. The "Precontemplation" stage involves individuals who are not yet considering change, whereas I am fully aware of my desire and the benefits of integrating physical fitness into my life. In the "Contemplation" stage, individuals are planning to make changes but are not yet prepared to take specific actions, which I have already started to do, as evidenced by my research and planning. Lastly, I do not find myself in the "Action" stage just yet, as this would imply that I am actively engaging in regular exercise, which has not been achieved consistently.

The determination to change my lifestyle, particularly in terms of physical fitness, is significant to me because it has implications beyond physical health; it impacts my mental and emotional well-being as well. By taking active steps towards achieving my goal and situating myself in the "Preparation" stage, I am hopeful that I will soon progress to the "Action" stage, leading to a permanent change in my lifestyle.

References

• Prochaska, J. O., DiClemente, C. C., & Norcross, J. C. (1992). In Search of How People Change: Applications to addictive behaviors. The American Psychologist, 47(9), 1102-1114.
• Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1986). Toward a comprehensive model of change. In J. O. Prochaska & C. C. DiClemente (Eds.), The Transtheoretical model of change: A critique. Psychology & Health, 1992, 12(2), 173-179.
• Norcross, J. C. (2011). The transtheoretical model of behavior change. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 48(1), 78–92.
• Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (2005). The transtheoretical approach: Utilizing processes of change. In J. C. Norcross & J. O. Prochaska (Eds.), Change: Principles of the Transtheoretical Model. New York: Oxford University Press.
• DiClemente, C. C., & Prochaska, J. O. (2002). Five States of Change. American Cancer Society.
• Darkes, J., & Green, M. (2007). The role of social influence in the processing of drinking-related behavioral change. Alcohol Research and Health, 30(1), 45-57.
• Schultz, W., & Taylor, A. H. (2000). The Role of Exercise in Stress Management. In C. L. A. Gillies & M. L. Laird (Eds.), Stress and Health: Theory, Research, and Clinical Implications. London: Wiley.
• Marlatt, G. A., & Georgsen, M. A. (1985). Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors. New York: Guilford Press.
• Gollwitzer, P. M., & Sheeran, P. (2006). Implementation intentions and goal achievement: A self-regulation strategy. In R. F. Baumeister & K. D. Vohs (Eds.), Handbook of self-regulation: Theory, research, and applications. New York: Guilford press.
• Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.