Moving Forward from Diabetes to Dynamic Living!

If you have a goal to defeat Type 2 Diabetes, or make any other life change, you must be ready & committed to take action. The following model, which is based on the Trans-theoretical Model of Change, can serve as a guideline to see if you are truly READY to make behavioral change. The stages range from Pre-contemplation, Contemplation, Preparation & Action to Maintenance.

1.     Pre-contemplation indicates that you are not ready to change. To begin moving forward toward a healthy, dynamic life:
·       Decide which benefits would most help improve your quality of life.
·       Analyze obstacles that have sabotaged previous efforts to change.
·       Examine the reasons why part of you does not want to change.
·       Consider the long term results of your current behavior. Think about             how painful your life may become if you do not take steps to improve           your health & manage Type 2 Diabetes.
·       Seek support from a knowledgeable, caring Wellness Coach or health           professional that can help you develop an action plan.
·       Check out diabetesdailypost.com for education & resources.

2.    Contemplation is the stage where you intend to change an unhealthy behavior within the next 6 months, but are experiencing                 ambivalence. Methods of moving forward from contemplation to preparation may include the following:
·       Make a list of benefits & actions to be taken in order to achieve those           benefits.
·       Examine the downside of giving up old behaviors for new, healthier               behaviors.
·       Work with a health professional or Wellness Coach to develop &                   achieve small goals that will help you to become more knowledgeable           & confident in your ability to change.

3.    Preparation shows that you intend to change a behavior within the       next 30 days. In order to move forward from this position:
·       Make a written statement of your commitment & set a start date.
·       Examine & write down your personal motivators, obstacles &                         strategies to cope.
·       Brainstorm with a health professional or Wellness Coach to develop an         action plan of small, realistic goals that will move you forward.

4.    If you are taking action & making changes to control your Type 2 Diabetes or any other behavior:                                                                   ·       Continue making gradual changes & setting achievable goals.
·       Anticipate possible lapses & develop strategies to cope before the               situation arises.
·       Avoid high-risk situations.
·       Do not get trapped in an all-or-nothing mentality regarding healthy               habits. If you relapse, start over. All successful people encounter                   temporary setbacks.
·       Continue seeking support & guidance from a health professional or               Wellness Coach.

5.    Maintenance occurs when your new behavior has become a habit.·       Stay focused on your personal motivators to avoid slipping back into old habits.
·       Celebrate your success by developing a system of ongoing rewards.
·       Look for a variety of ways to improve wellness & enjoy the process.
·       Stay aware of possible lapses.
·       Share your dedication to health with others.
·       Stay connected with diabetesdailypost.com &                                                 WellFitHealthSolutions.com, Michigan-based companies that offer
        support for people with Diabetes.

(Source Wellcoaches Corporation)