“Change has to do with recognizing the value of options and with experiencing the fact that we
are fully responsible for what we choose to do.”
— Ernst G. Beier
Attacking the Problem
In this stage you finally do it. But you need to remember that action isn’t the first or the last step in a change.
This is not the only stage where important changes happen. To get this far, you had to change your awareness, your emotions, and your self- image as you moved from each of the earlier stages to the next.
The goal in this stage is to change your way of thinking. You do this by:
· Learning how to relax when temptations are strong.
· Starting an exercise program.
· Learning effective “countering” techniques—thoughts and actions that keep you from falling
into your old patterns.
How to Defeat Daily Temptations
Countering is one of the most effective techniques in the cycle of self-change. It’s easier to promote the new behavior than to get rid of the old one. Trying too hard to break a habit is usually a recipe for failure. As long as you’re focused on trying to break the old habit, you’re like a soldier who is fighting with one hand tied behind his back.
Focusing on your new behavior is like freeing the hand tied behind your back. Suddenly you have more power to bring about the change you desire. People who break bad habits frequently experience frustration in the early stages, when they’re trying as hard as they can to eliminate the old behavior.
In a very real sense, success comes when you stop trying. By focusing on your new lifestyle, you stop trying to break the old habit; almost without being aware of what’s happening, you move to the next stage as the new behavior replaces the old one. When your preparation is good, you should be able to move through the action stage very quickly. If you have laid the proper foundation, your transition from stage 4 to stage 5 will be a smooth one.
Break those bad habits! Attack the problem!
