1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” (Bible Gateway, 2011). I tend to compliment people all the time. I believe that giving compliments fosters good relationships and enhances feelings of well-being. Words have power, and they can provide people with self-confidence, encouragement to complete goals, and the knowledge that you can be trusted. Giving genuine compliments can help build stronger relationships and let people know they are essential and that you notice them.
1. Describe a transformation you have seen or as an agent of change in someone else’s life and how that change happened.
A transformation I have seen in my life is my being more confident. I did this by first noticing how much I compared myself to others. When I did compare myself to others, it could sometimes lead to jealousy and envy and affect my self-esteem negatively. When I began to accept myself and all my flaws, I also began to appreciate my differences and others. I took a break from Facebook, dared to be different, and focused on my personal goals. This changed my thought process, and I started to see an overall change in my attitude and mood.
Crystal (2.3 Discussion: Stages of Change)
Think of an area of your own life in which you want to see change. It could be a habit you want to break, getting out of an unhealthy relationship, eating more healthily, exercising more, etc. Explain in some detail the behavior you would like to change.
One area of my life where I would like to see change is my exercise routine. While I understand the importance of regular physical activity for overall health and well-being, I often struggle to maintain a consistent exercise schedule. My exercise routine is sporadic, with periods of regular activity followed by long stretches of inactivity. For example, according to my fitness tracker for January, I logged 17 workout sessions. Specifically, week one has two sessions, week two has six sessions, week three has two sessions, and week four has three.
Now, identify which stage of change you are in: contemplation or preparation. (You can’t be in the pre-contemplation stage if you want to change, and you can’t be in the action stage if you are still waiting to see change.)
I am currently in the action stage, which means I have already started making changes and am actively working towards my goals. This stage is all about implementing my plans and building momentum. It’s important to remember that action is an ongoing process, and the focus should be on progress rather than perfection. I must keep nurturing the willingness and positive momentum that got me this far. Additionally, I should recognize my continuous efforts, tackle new challenges as they arise, and reward myself for even small achievements. Quick adjustments and positive reinforcement will help me stay committed and motivated (Sholl, 2019).
Explain what you’ve tried thus far to make the desired change. What has kept you from being able to achieve or sustain your desired change?
To improve my exercise routine, I have implemented several strategies. I set specific fitness goals, such as working out at least three times a week, and added my workouts to my calendar. I explored different exercises, like yoga, running, and strength training, to find what I enjoy most. I used a fitness tracker to monitor my workouts and progress. Additionally, I joined a fitness club and found a workout buddy to stay accountable.
Despite my efforts, I have faced several challenges that have prevented me from achieving or sustaining my desired change. Life’s demands often disrupt my exercise schedule, leading to periods of inactivity. After a busy day, I sometimes lack the energy and motivation to exercise. Spending long hours sitting at a desk or home makes staying active challenging. Unexpected events or changes in routine can also derail my exercise plans.
What do you need to do in order to move to the next stage in the change model? Be specific.
Sholl (2019) suggests moving from the action to the maintenance stage, the focus should be on building strong support systems, prioritizing essential activities, concentrating on actions rather than just outcomes, tackling and overcoming obstacles as they arise, celebrating small victories, viewing setbacks and challenges as opportunities for self-discovery, and continuously evolving my goals.
What do you see as the strengths and weakness of the Stages of Change model as it relates to coaching?
The Stages of Change model offers several strengths and weaknesses when applied to coaching:
Strengths
1. Structured Framework: The model provides a step-by-step framework that helps coaches and clients understand the change process. This structure can make identifying where a client is on their journey easier and tailor interventions accordingly.
2. Personalization: By recognizing that individuals are at different stages of readiness for change, the model allows for personalized coaching strategies. This ensures that interventions are appropriate and effective for each client’s unique situation.
3. Focus on Progress: The model emphasizes progress rather than perfection, encouraging clients to celebrate small victories and stay motivated. This positive reinforcement can help maintain momentum and build confidence.
4. Relapse Prevention: The model acknowledges that relapse is a natural part of the change process. By preparing clients for potential setbacks, coaches can help them develop strategies to overcome obstacles and stay on track.
Weaknesses
One weakness of the model is that the boundaries between stages can be “blurry.” For example, the distinction between contemplation and preparation is often unclear (Brookes, 2023).
Overall, the Stages of Change model offers a valuable framework for understanding and facilitating change in coaching. By recognizing its strengths and addressing its weaknesses, coaches can effectively support clients in their journey toward positive transformation.
References
Brookes, E. (2023, November 9). Transtheoretical Model: Stages of Health Behavior Change. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/transtheoretical-model.html
Sholl, J. (2019, June). The Stages of Change. Experience Life. https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/article/the-stages-of-change/
Heather (2.3 Discussion: Stages of Change)
Think of an area of your own life in which you want to see change. It could be a habit you want to break, getting out of an unhealthy relationship, eating more healthily, exercising more, etc. Explain in some detail the behavior you would like to change.
I want to break the habit of excessive worry. I like to think I have a handle on the effect of worry in my life, but in certain situations, worry takes over, limiting my ability to keep my thoughts in a healthy place and not focus on my concerns. Worry creates an uneasy feeling, leading me to focus on the potential outcomes of various situations. It sometimes overwhelms my thoughts, impacting my health and disrupting my sleep. These effects can snowball, ultimately hindering my performance in daily activities.
Worry stems from constantly trying to figure out problems. It is a symptom of caring too much or overthinking. Various issues can cause it, but concern can turn into an excess of worrisome thoughts. As your mind races, worry can escalate into fear about future events that may never happen. This cycle can be exhausting and overshadow reasonable thought (Vogel, 2022).
Now, identify which stage of change you are in: contemplation or preparation. (You can’t be in the pre-contemplation stage if you want to change, and you can’t be in the action stage if you are still waiting to see change.)
I am currently in the contemplation stage regarding my excessive worry. I understand this habit is unhealthy for my well-being, but I often find myself worrying about situations beyond my control. I am thinking about the best ways to manage this habit and recognize that learning how to mitigate my worries and their effects on me is a challenge.
Explain what you’ve tried thus far to make the desired change. What has kept you from being able to achieve or sustain your desired change?
I try to relax my emotions and leave my worries in God’s hands, but new factors renew my concern. The presence of always having something to be concerned about keeps me from maintaining positive change. I need to learn that other people’s behaviors are their issues, and I should focus solely on my actions.
What do you need to do in order to move to the next stage in the change model? Be specific.
I need to learn to accept things that are beyond my control. I should practice strategies that help me relax my mind and shift my perception of stressful situations in my life. Techniques such as meditation, journaling, and breathing exercises can help relieve my stress and refocus my mind. This will allow me to stay calm, positively impact my enjoyment of everyday activities, and improve my overall well-being.
What do you see as the strengths and weakness of the Stages of Change model as it relates to coaching?
The stages of change model can be applied to various issues to create lasting change. This model breaks down the transformation process, helping individuals identify the problems that hinder positive change and outlining steps toward improvement. It encourages clients to implement the knowledge they have gained in preparation for change by taking action. After initiating a change, maintenance follows, during which the change becomes a new habit (Williams & Menendez, 2015).
One weakness in sustaining change is the client’s readiness for it. The model’s rigid structure makes undefined timeframes and transitional periods challenging, especially without high self-efficacy or a strong support system. Maintaining change can be difficult due to diminishing motivation and a lack of perceived improvement (Williams & Menendez, 2015).
Life coaches support clients during transitions by recognizing their unique gifts and strengths. They allow clients the time needed to process their feelings, encourage the exploration of different perspectives, and help cultivate a growth mindset. Coaches also acknowledge their clients’ efforts and progress towards meaningful, lasting transformation throughout their lives (Williams & Menendez, 2015).
Reference
Vogel, K. (2022, May 6). Why do we worry? 3 key reasons and how to Cope. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/lib/why-do-we-worry-so-much
Williams , & Menendez. (2015). Becoming a Professional Life Coach. https://platform.virdocs.com/read/464087/30/#/4/2.