Psychology of Change Part 5

Final Part 5 of 5

Michael Coleman, CHC, CPT, CES:

Let's discuss the maintenance stage. What do you have for us at that stage?

Yao Olivares, M.S., LMHC, LPC:

So, the maintenance stage is where we get to that mindset of: “I am living a new life.”

So really, this is where the changes made during the action stage are truly maintained. However, this doesn't mean that you will no longer face challenges.

Michael:

I agree. Definitely not.

Yao:

So there's gonna be a lot of temptation. And, there are going to be a lot of things that will try to derail you at this stage.

Remember that we live in a type of society where everything is fighting for your precious resources. Time, your energy, your money…

Michael:

And, I would add attention.

Almost everybody you meet and everything online is looking for your attention, which is where all the other things you mentioned flow from.

If they get your attention, then they get your time, then they get your money, and ultimately, they get your other resources too!

Yao:

Yes. So once you start focusing on the things that really matter — and this is where that awareness we discussed in earlier parts comes in — these key points gain much more importance in your life.

This is where, if they are really ingrained into your values, we finally move away from those old habits, and we can embrace a new form of identity.

Michael:

Well, I agree that maintenance can happen once you mentally establish yourself as what you have truly become.

Like becoming a fit person or becoming a speaker of a foreign language, I think that the verb becoming is very important in any positive transformation process.

Yao:

Of course, it's only going to happen through dedication.

We've got to go ahead and put in the effort. But once you start doing it consistently, it'll just become a habit. Then, you can start functioning from that place of identity, who you ultimately want to become.

Once you identify as THAT new person, it’s much more difficult to fall back into old habits.

It really comes towards a congruency, right?

That’s where our beliefs are aligned with our actions, and what we start doing on a daily basis. That’s where harmony comes in, and when we pursue the path and continue on this journey of positive change.

Michael:

Yao, I would like to thank you so very much for sharing your experience and insight in this overview of the five stages of this behavior change model!

I will leave a link to your Instagram information so people can connect with you and see your amazing content here: https://www.instagram.com/yaosmelo/