Habit book notes · James O. Prochaska, John C. Norcross & Carlo C. DiClemente · 1994

Changing for Good — the big ideas

The stages-of-change model written for the public: matching what you do to where you are in changing. The big ideas of Changing for Good by James O.

Free — no account needed to read

Presents the stages-of-change model for the public: people move from not considering change, to contemplating, preparing, acting and maintaining, and need different help at each stage.

The big ideas

Stages of change

Change is a process with stages, not a single decision.

Match the method to the stage

Awareness-raising helps early; action and support help later.

Relapse is common

Many people cycle through the stages several times before change lasts.

Key concepts

• Transtheoretical model
• Contemplation
• Preparation
• Maintenance
• Relapse

Limits

• The stages model has been strongly criticised for arbitrary boundaries and weak evidence as a guide to matching help.
• Its most useful message — change is a process and slips are common — does not depend on the exact stages.

What the research says

• Prochaska & DiClemente (1983) — Proposed that people move through stages when changing — not yet considering it, considering, preparing, acting and maintaining — and use different processes at each. Limits: Widely used and widely criticised — see West (2005).
• West (2005) — Argued that the stages-of-change model draws arbitrary lines, assumes people make stable plans, and has not held up as a guide for matching help to stages. Limits: An editorial critique; others still find the model useful as a way to start a conversation.

Apply this idea

For one habit, ask honestly whether you’re still deciding or already acting — and choose tools that fit.

Described in our own words with the source named — not a summary of the whole book.