FIVE MYTHS ABOUT CHANGE

March 17, 2022
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Five Myths About Change

Myth #1: “Change is a Linear Process”

It has been proven scientifically that change is not linear but dynamic. In their book ‘Changing for Good’, Prochaska, Norcross and DiClemente share 6 Stages of change as follows:

Pre-contemplation (“I can’t…”),
Contemplation (“I may…”),
Preparation (“I will…”),
Action (“I am…”),
Maintenance (“I am still…”), and
Termination (“I have…”).

Myth #2: “Change is Simple”

Change can be very challenging and uncomfortable, if it was easy everyone would be doing it. However, it is possible to take these changes gradually (it can take up to 5 years), which over time accumulate into big shifts in our lives.

Myth #3: Change Takes Willpower.

The definition of willpower is a belief in your abilities to change and the decision to act on the belief. While researching change, Prochaska, Norcross and DiClemente (Changing for Good) found that willpower (they call it commitment) was only one of the nine change processes used to change behaviour. They also discovered that people who rely solely on willpower set themselves up for failure big time.

Myth #4: Nothing Works, “I’ve Tried Everything to Change!”

Are you sure you have tried everything? The effectiveness of change processes depends on the method and timing of their application (i.e. how much? how long? and which change process?).

Myth #5: Shame Leads to Behaviour Change.

Shame does not lead to positive behaviour change. Brené Brown has been quoted as saying ~“You cannot shame or belittle people into changing their behaviours.”

I hope this has given you some insight into the myths about change. Knowing these stages of change before you are ready to make a change can help you with the change process and have greater success in the long term.

References:

Invisible No More – DorothyAttema

Prochaska, J., Norcross, J., & DiClemente, C. (2010). Changing for Good: A Revolutionary Six- s://www.habitsforwellbeing.com/7-myths-change/

Stage Program for Overcoming Bad Habits and Moving Your Life Positively Forward. New York,

USA: Harper Collins Publishers.