We’ve all been there.

Watching someone we know and love dearly do things that aren’t good for them.

In fact, we’ve likely been that person, ourselves!

But what do we do if someone we love isn’t making healthy choices, and we long for something better for them?

We know these conversations can go poorly.  It can feel like we’re nagging them or telling them they don’t measure up, even if that’s not how we mean to come across.  So, it can be hard to know if and when to say something or how to offer our help.

A tool that is incredibly helpful in these situations is the Stages of Change model.

It says that each of us are in a different place when it comes to our willingness to change our behaviors.

And we can all be in a different stage for different behaviors – even different health behaviors.

For example, we can be farther along in changing our exercise behaviors than we are in changing our eating habits.

So, when thinking about our loved ones’ health, it’s important to understand what stage of change they’re at so we can meet them there. 

Mastering the skills to listen and determine where your loved one is in their willingness to change, and using the tools for that particular stage, will help them know they’re fully supported and encouraged, and you’re on their team.

And knowing you’ve got someone in your corner is extremely motivating.

Sources:
Moore, M., Jackson, E., & Tschannen-Moran, B.  (2016).  Coaching Psychology Manual.  Philadelphia, PA:  Wolters Kluwer.

Photo credits:
Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash