Stage Four: Action

Finally! A stage with some real movement towards changing your behaviour(s) for the better.

During this phase you begin to find alternatives to the bad habits you’ve picked up. You may set about cooking your own Friday Night takeaway instead of handing your hard-earned money over to the local greasy spoon. Or you might walk 10 minutes there and 10 minutes back to the shop instead of hopping in your car. In the action stage you would go to the gym or attend that group exercise class you’d previously looked into.

But remember, action is an ongoing process – people remain in this phase for at least 6 months often with relapses, temptation and imperfection – but that’s normal, no one is expected to change a lifetime of bad habits overnight. Small steps, simple choices and humble sacrifices make a big difference.

Do this today…

1. Pop visual reminders in places you will see them often. For example, write your goal on a Post-It note and stick it to your bathroom mirror, fridge or car radio.
2. Think of some ‘mini-rewards’ for yourself each time you achieve a short-term goal
3. Focus on each day at a time and don’t give up if you fall back on an old habit every once in a while; acknowledge it then move on and continue with the new changes