For the past three volumes of The ZONE we have been addressing the Stages of Change model. We believe that this applied overview of the model can be useful in navigating the chaos that we may be experiencing during the upcoming fall and winter months. In this volume we will be reviewing the change process of moving from the Contemplative Stage to the Preparation/Planning Stage. Basically, moving from ambivalence to preparing for change. It is important to keep in mind that ambivalence is a key component of the Contemplative Stage and that this can prevent us from moving forward with making certain decisions in our daily lives. A useful tool to assist with this transition is applying a risk-reward analysis to assess the situation at a deeper level. This tool offers the opportunity to explore the risks and benefits of the present behavior and the risks and benefits of the potential change. The analysis provides us with a clearer picture into our ambivalence. At times, after completing the risk-reward analysis, we may decide that the benefits of the present behavior outweigh the benefits of the potential change. However, if we decide to implement a change plan, it needs to be acceptable, accessible, and effective. Although we may be developing a change plan it is not uncommon to still feel some sense of ambivalence. Also, upon reaching this point in our change process, we may begin to experience a greater sense of hope.
Key Takeaways
The Stages of Change model provides a useful template for change.
During the Contemplative Stage we experience ambivalence.
The Risk-Benefit analysis provides a useful tool to sort things out.
Best Practices
It is risky to not do a Risk-Benefit analysis.
It is risky to do a Risk-Benefit analysis.
Be risky!
Things to Limit
Sticking your head in the sand.
Processed foods.
Being comfortable with ambivalence.
Quote of the Week
“In these times I don’t, in a manner of speaking, know what I want; perhaps I don’t want what I know and want what I don’t know.”
~ Marsilio Ficino
In summary, while working through the process of ambivalence can be taxing, the effort can be well spent. It may feel like we do not have the energy to work through the process. However, the outcome of the process can provide a source of renewed energy.
Be well,
Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD and Dr. Helen E. Battisti PhD
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.
We have developed "The ZONE", because that is exactly where you want to be during this pandemic. A place of focused attention to doing exactly what needs to be done to get you to where you need to be. The purpose of The Zone is to provide a nationally distributed weekly mental-health and nutrition tip-sheet during times of change.
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