For the next few posts we are going to be looking more closely at the process of change.  How many times have you made a New Years resolution, begun the to take the first steps of change on January 2, only to be completely off track by January 3?  Whether the change you desire is to stop smoking, lose weight, get a new job or mend an ailing relationship, you may find that despite your best reasons for wanting the change, you have completely derailed.

Wanting to change isn't enough.  You have likely gone off course because you weren't really ready to change.  There is a predictable process of change, and you can use it to support yourself in making those beneficial changes in your life.

This process has been researched by James Prochaska and Carlos DiClimente who originally applied their studies to the field of addictions.  But it applies to change of any kind, as you will see.  Stage 1 is called "Precontemplation."  In this stage you really aren't seriously thinking about making the change.  Other people may be telling you about the need for you to do it, and you may want to be different, but likely feeling doubtful that you could be.

This stage is often marked by feelings of fear of what might be involved in making the change, or by a lack of motivation necessary for taking action.  When we start off trying to change at this stage, we are usually doomed to failure.  If you are in the Precontemplation stage, you might do the following:

• Postpone the change until after you have done some groundwork to better support it.

• Strengthen yourself by gathering information about the matter at hand.  You
  might go to the library or look for information online.  If you have
  been thinking about a new job, take some time to assess your skills and
  interests as well as the current job market.  This might be the time to
  find a career counselor or to hire a coach.  Look for books such as What Color is My Parachute? by Richard Nelson Bolles.

• Make contact with others who have made changes in the areas that you are considering.  Listen for new ideas that may tell you how this change would benefit your life.  Support groups are great for this, and you may find people with more experience in online interest groups.  You may find out some tips that may be useful, and you may also find that there are some obstacles that you are not yet ready to deal with.

Taking these steps will help you be clear in what the benefits and the costs will be in changing your life.  You will strengthen your motivation and have clearer sight as to the steps ahead.