No matter how much expertise, skill, or knowledge you offer someone, if they’re not in the right place mentally and emotionally, change simply won’t stick. But how do you know where you, or your clients are in terms of their change cycle?
That’s where the Cycle of Change comes in — a model that maps out the stages people go through on the way to lasting transformation.
The stages typically look like this:
- Pre-contemplation – Not yet seeing a problem or considering change.
- Contemplation – Aware of the issue, thinking about change, weighing pros and cons.
- Preparation – Intending to take action soon, planning steps, setting goals.
- Action – Actively making changes and implementing strategies.
- Maintenance – Sustaining new habits and preventing relapse.
- (Sometimes) Relapse – Returning to old behaviours before re-entering the cycle with new insight.
When you understand which stage you’re in, the process becomes more compassionate and realistic. You stop beating yourself up for not being “further ahead” — and start recognising that each stage has its own work to do.
Sometimes change feels effortless — like flicking a switch. You’re ready on every level, the decision feels natural, and momentum builds quickly.
Other times, it’s like walking through treacle. There’s resistance, heaviness, and a part of you that just isn’t ready to let go. That’s normal. Forcing change before you’re ready often leads to frustration or short-lived results.
A note about Relapse…
Whenever we endeavour to make deep rooted changes to out habits and behaviours, we must expect a few bumps in the road, we very rarely make a decision to change and that’s it we’re done forever, relapses happen, they are natural.
The key is not to beat yourself up about it, it’s done, tomorrow is a new day, put it behind you and move forward, and remember…
It’s not how many times you relapse, it’s how quickly you get back on the wagon after each relapse, just keep showing up.
Are you ready to take Action?
I always make sure I’m working with people who are truly in the Action stage — ready to commit, ready to show up, and ready to do the work. That’s when the magic really happens.
If you’d like to understand where you are in the Cycle of Change — and explore whether now is the right time to move forward — book your free Discovery Call today.
