According to Dr Phil, when we need to make a major lifestyle change, we move through 4 stages of what is called readiness for change. Ideally, we want to reach stage 4, which is where change occurs and last. We typically start in stages 1 or 2, where we may start to take steps to make changes but they don’t stick.
Therefore, it is important to make the conscious effort to move through the next stages until we reach stage 4. Checking in with yourself regularly, for example, can help you to figure out where you are and make the decision to move forward.
COMPELLED BY AUTHORITY
At this stage, I have not made the decision to change, it was made for me by an authority figure such as a parent, a teacher, a court judge, etc…
TO ESCAPE CRITICISM
At this stage, I am making a change to avoid an unpleasant situation or stimulus, such as being criticized, bullied, or even ostracized.
INTELLECTUAL MOTIVATION
At this stage, I am the driving force behind the change. I want it, because intellectually I know and understand that it is for my own good. However, emotionally I am not there yet and my heart is not in it.
MENTAL & EMOTIONAL MOTIVATION
This is the stage where change is most likely to occur and last. Once the heart and the brain work together, I can achieve anything I set my mind to