Stages of Change: Contemplation
In my last post, I wrote about the first stage of stage: Precontemplation - the stage where habits and patterns run on autopilot, often unnoticed and unquestioned. The first spark of curiosity, a comment from someone else, or a quiet inner whisper is what begins to shift us into the next stage of behaviour change: Contemplation.
Contemplation is where a seed is beginning to grow. We see the habit more clearly now, for both its positive and negative traits. Something about it doesn’t feel right. It’s clearly not entirely all good, but it does have its purpose. We’re asking ourselves:
“What does it give me? What does it cost me?”
This stage is all about ambivalence. Part of us wants to hold on - because it’s familiar, comfortable, or even reassuring. But another part of us wonders what life might be like without it. It’s like standing at a crossroads, holding the weight of both possibilities in our hands.
You might be wondering:
“If I keep going like this, where will I be in a year… or in ten?”
“If I let this go, what would open up for me instead?”
”What is really, truly, of most importance here?”
In Contemplation, we’re not acting yet. We’re investigating; weighing both sides of the coin; being honest with ourselves about what we truly want, and need.
Here are some questions you can reflect on at this stage:
What does this habit provide me with - comfort, distraction, relief, identity?
What is the price I pay for keeping it - energy, time, money, health, peace of mind?
If I continue for the next year, what does my life look like?
If I let it go, what possibilities open up for me?
Which version of me feels closer to who I truly want to become?
It’s worth remembering that Contemplation is not about making a decision right now. It’s about seeing more clearly. And the more clearly we can see both sides, the more naturally the desire to prepare for change begins to grow.
This is where awareness grows into choice.
From here comes Preparation.
More on that in the next article.
Until then, take care.
David
Evergreen Hypnotherapy
