Contemplation: I really should quit. I'm going to quit on Monday. I can still drink my coffee without a cigarette....or maybe I'll quit coffee too?
You have acknowledged a problem exists and are now thinking about how to solve it. Smart Recovery of New England says that you know your destination, and how to get there, but you're not ready to go yet. There's still prep work that has to be done.
During this time you may be weighing the pros and cons of change, the risks and benefits and the cost to you. Is there a financial implication? A gross amount of time needed? Appointments such as counseling, training, classes, etc.? The contemplation stage is when this is all evaluated. Obviously you cannot foresee every risk or benefit, but this is the time when a lot of leg work takes place. You may also be experiencing a sense of loss. For smokers, it is often a social activity so the loss of time with a friend, spouse, or co-worker may play a large role in the timing or decision to quit smoking.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offer help to us as we aid patients in change. Questions we can ask of them include: Why do want to change at this time? What are the reasons for not changing? What would keep you from changing at this time? What are the barriers today that keep you from change? What might help you with that aspect? What things (people, programs, and behaviors) have helped in the past? What would help you at that time? And, what do you think you need to learn about changing? It may be helpful to journal about these questions to help you fine tune where you're coming from and what you need.
How do you know you're ready to change? You begin to think about the future more than the past. You anticipate the future. You're active towards change. You may experience anxiety and excitement. You move forward.
Next week: Preparation!
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