Early Stages

"People in the Precontemplation stage do not intend to start the healthy behavior in the near future, within six months, and may be unaware of the need to change. They learn more about healthy behavior, are encouraged to think about the pros of changing, and are encouraged to feel emotions about the effects of their negative behavior on others. Precontemplators typically underestimate the pros of changing, overestimate the cons, and often are not aware of making such mistakes. One of the most effective steps others can take at this stage is to encourage them to become more mindful of their decision-making and more conscious of the multiple benefits of changing an unhealthy behavior. In the Contemplation stage, participants intend to start the healthy behavior within the next six months. They are usually more aware of the pros of changing, but their cons are about equal to their pros, and this ambivalence can cause them to keep putting off taking action. They learn about the kind of person they could be if they changed their behavior and learn from people who behave in healthy ways. Others can help by encouraging them to reduce the cons of changing their behavior. In the Preparation stage, people are ready to start taking action within the next 30 days. They take small steps that they believe can help make the healthy behavior part of their lives, such as telling friends and family that they want to change. They should be encouraged to seek support from trusted friends, tell people about their plan, and think about how they would feel if they behaved in a healthier way. Their number one concern is whether they will fail when they act. They learn that the better prepared they are, the more likely they are to keep progressing."