Do you have a learning disability or ADHD?  Then change is something you must figure out in order to move toward your goals. According to research* there are six well-defined stages of change.

 

First stage: Precontemplation

People in this stage don’t think that change is for them instead they want to change the people around them. Precontemplators resist change. They say things like, “How can I get my parents to get off my back?” or “My professor is clueless.” When their problem behavior comes up in conversation, they shift the subject. Denial is characteristic of this stage. People in the precontemplation stage place the responsibility for their problems on things that are out of their control. “It won’t make any difference if I go talk to my professor. He doesn’t understand me.” Precontemplators often feel demoralized because they think the situation is hopeless. However, the  good news is even precontemplators can progress toward change if they are given the proper tools at the proper times.

 

Second stage: Contemplation

People in the contemplation stage realize they have a problem and they are seriously thinking about solving it. If you are in the second stage of change, you try to understand your problem, to study its causes and even think about possible solutions. But you’re not quite ready to take action. “I want to improve my GPA. I know I need to study more. But I don’t have time to go to tutoring lab.”  Sometimes contemplators get stuck. They know where they want to go and how to get there but are not ready to go yet. They substitute thinking for action. People who begin to transition to the next stage of change begin to think about the solution rather than the problem. They begin to look to the future instead of the past. This transition is a time of anticipation, activity, anxiety and excitement.

 

Third stage: Preparation

People in the preparation stage are planning to take action within a certain time. They are making adjustments before they begin to change their behavior. They will announce to others about their intended change. “Next semester, I will live in such and such dorm because they have a reputation for studying.”  Even though they are committed to action, they may still need some convincing that taking action will really make a difference.  People in the preparation stage might have taken a few small steps towards behavior change such as buying different colored folders for each class, or set up a desk to study in their dorm room. This type of behavior is part of preparation. You should  develop a firm step-by-step action plan which leads naturally to the next stage of change.

 

Fourth stage: Action

The action stage is where you  modify your actions and your surroundings.  Action requires a commitment of time and energy. People around you can see your new or different behavior. You’re  getting out of bed in time to shower and arrive  to class on time. You’re making appointments and meeting with your tutor. You’re saying “no” to going out on Thursday because you have an exam on Friday. This is the most visible stage of change and receives the most encouragement from your supporters, people who love and care about you. Remember that the previous stages also need a lot of encouragement, too. The first three stages are less visible and involve changes in awareness, emotions, self-image, and thinking. Precontemplation, contemplation and preparation all precede action and are indeed progress toward change.

 

Fifth stage: Maintenance

It’s easy to encourage and applaud the action stage because it’s easy to see. The next stage is just as important. During the maintenance stage you must put all your actions together and prevent slipping backwards. Change never ends with action. You must commit to work the plan and keep working it.  Change is never easy but it feels great!

 

Sixth stage: Termination

This is a psychology/therapy term. It sounds rather final. In the world of academics I prefer to view this stage as becoming a life-long learner. Never stop doing what you must do to learn new things.

 

*Prochaska, J., Norcross, J. & Diclemente, C.(1994). Changing for good: A revolutionary six-stage program for overcoming bad habits and moving your life positively forward. HarperCollins Publishers: New York.