Â鶹ӳ»­

Most of us have been there ¨C we decide this is the year we¡¯re going to lose those pesky pounds, get fit or quit smoking.

We try. We¡¯re determined to make these healthy changes.  Yet, we fail. Why?

Sometimes you¡¯ve got to make several attempts at the same resolution before you can succeed. Most of us try to change before we¡¯re really ready.

The says everyone must go through five stages before making a successful change. Knowing what stage you¡¯re in and how to move forward may be exactly what you need to succeed this year.

Find out where you fall in the stages of change below.

Stage 1: Decide if change is right

Are you still unsure about making a change? Then, you¡¯re probably in the first stage. You also can be in stage one if you don¡¯t yet realize you need a change.

For example, your doctor may advise you to lose weight, but you think it¡¯s hopeless to try. Maybe your friends and family have urged you to quit smoking, and you think it¡¯s their problem not yours.

The good news is that once you start thinking about change, you¡¯ve got stage one behind you.

Stage 2: Weigh the pros and cons

The second stage is all about pros and cons. You realize it¡¯s time for change. You may not be ready but you¡¯re seriously considering it.

Now is the time to think about all those false starts you¡¯ve had in the past. Don¡¯t focus on past failures; also think about your successes. Make note of what worked and what didn¡¯t the last time you tried.

Stage 3: Make a plan

The third stage is planning. At this point, you¡¯re concentrating more on the future than the past. The pros of the new behavior strongly outweigh the cons of the old.

You¡¯re ready to start a plan. Focus on what motivates and works best for you.

Stage 4: Take action

The fourth stage is the busiest one. It¡¯s all about taking action. You¡¯re putting your plan to work. Avoid losing your momentum by rewarding yourself along the way. Remember, change takes time.

Stage 5: Keep going

Your new habit is now routine. The challenge is to keep up this new behavior and not fall back into old habits.

Think about what you¡¯ve accomplished. When temptation hits, seek support from friends and family. They can renew your resolve to stick with it. 

Prepare yourself for change

Regardless of what stage you¡¯re in, recognize that change isn¡¯t an all-or-nothing, one-step, one-time affair. Try these helpful strategies to up your odds for success.

• Go public. Let others know you¡¯re trying to quit smoking or you¡¯ve started an exercise program.
• Gather information from websites, books, videos, classes, support groups or your health care provider. Knowing all the benefits of your healthy change can serve as powerful motivation.
• Focus on rewards. Don¡¯t punish yourself when you slip up. Instead, think about the positive steps you¡¯ve taken so far.
• Write everything down. Keep an exercise log or a food diary. You¡¯ll be more aware of your behavior and accountable for the choices you make.
• Make SMART goals. In other words, take specific steps that are measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, a SMART goal might be to lose 10 pounds in four months, or two and a half pounds each month.

Are you ready? It's time to take that first step and make a change for good. 

Request an appointment at MD Anderson's Lyda Hill Cancer Prevention Center online or call 877-632-6789.