Photo by Linus Nylund on Unsplash
A recent New York Times’ story headline stated, “We can wait for normal life to return, or we can start living.” Quite a provocative title, implying that we have all been waiting to exhale while hoping for the pandemic to end. While this may be true for some, it is not true for all.
Reflecting on Prochaska’s Stages of Change Model, that we have outlined in the past, can offer us a lens to better understand the process of emerging out of the pandemic and creating our future.
· Pre contemplation
· Contemplation
· Preparation
· Action
· Maintenance
While the pandemic has wrought wounds that will take time and effort to heal, it also has created new issues that we will need to be creative and thoughtful in our deliberation and recovery. The pandemic has taken the world and shifted many of its components and created a kaleidoscope of how the world operates and what is necessary for one to move forward.
The Stages of Change can assist in understanding how we need to navigate these transformations. In the Pre contemplative and Contemplative stages there is no expectation of change in the next six months. Instead, the task at hand, during this time is for people to gather more information that will assist them in answering questions that they have. During the preparation stage individuals find themselves ready to go forward, but perhaps not certain on the path that they need to make. At this time, the task is to seek assistance in developing their plan of action. During the Action stage, individuals have started to make modifications based on their plan of action that they have designed. The maintenance stage is when individuals create a feedback loop to continually assess and prevent relapse to earlier self-defeating behaviors.
Key Takeaways
While the pandemic has been horrific it also has offered opportunities for change and growth.
The Stages of Change model demonstrate that people do not change at the same pace.
We have all experienced wounds during the pandemic and we need to be patient and mindful, as they heal.
Best Practices
Is it time to ask yourself if you are holding your breadth.
Update/develop a Plan of Action for your tomorrow.
Surround yourself with trusted individuals.
Things to Limit
Procrastination.
Easy fixes.
Hearsay information.
Quote of the Week
“By changing the inner attitude of their minds, they can change the outer aspects of their lives.”
~William James
In summary, a long-living neighbor farmer once told me that as a farmer, he was reluctant to be the first to try something new, however he didn’t want to be the last to try something new. I have shared this time-worn wisdom with others over the years and have had intriguing conversation about this approach to change. It seems to be a blend of risk and action that many might be comfortable with. What is your risk-action quotient?
Be well,
The paraDocs
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The paraDocs are Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD, Psychotherapist, Distinguished Psychology Professor and former Executive V.P and Chief Academic Officer and Dr. Helen E. Battisti PhD, RDN, CDN, Chief Nutrition Officer, at SpNOD, Health Promotion Specialist, Research and Clinical Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and former Assistant Professor.
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