Improve Your Life Using the Stages of Change Model (Transtheoretical) - @DrWendyGuess

Great video!

Hello Dr. Wendy Guess, I love this video on stages of change, I request you for your permission to utilize this video for teaching the stage of change to my students as audio visual aids as part of my research. Thank you Bijaya

Thank you, Dr. Guess!

This was really helpful.

The transtheoretical model has much to do with the process of forming habits. While it does focus on a change in a behavior, the same principle can be applied on the business world when it comes to getting customer to use a certain product and to keep coming back. This is more commonly observed in businesses where the product (used broadly) is consumed regularly. For instance, a woman in her older years, who initially did not care for cosmetic, notices she has a wrinkle and decides she will get an anti-wrinkle cream. From this moment to when she finds herself buying the same brand of cream for the next couple of years, she goes through the stages of transtheoretical model that lead her to form a habit, which brings her to the store every couple of months for the same reason. Marketing and psychology have always been deeply intertwined. This is a great intersection of concepts between the two fields.

Thank you for this video! I can clary see how the transtheoretical model should be buckle down to the process of buying decision. Users, buyers or costumers usually don´t show in an easy way their needs (something they even don´t know what they want!), but once they uncover the specific need, they go through the ZMOT (Zero moment of true), where they contemplate the cons and pros of acquiring a certain product or service. This stages of recognizing are just inside the costumers mind, and they are not committed to purchase a specific product yet. That is when marketing appears and becomes so interesting, because it can take parts of the behavior of the costumers to direct them to choose the product or service we want.

I really enjoyed the video, and I think it explains in a very dynamic way the concept of behavioral change, although I believe there is one step missing, which is the desire to change. I think what drives and motives a person to change is the deep thought of becoming the best version of itself. After this, comes the discomfort of not being quite there yet, of falling in the comfort zone, and of feeling in a detrimental state. There is where the need becomes visible. After that comes the next five steps mentioned in the video, which are: pre- contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance.

As someone who has personally struggled with exercise and fitness, each of these stages resonated with me in my younger years. However, I feel that each of these stages are also applicable to many new products and/or services that can be offered to customers. It is helpful considering each of these stages in the marketing plan for the project so we can account for what the customer is mentally going through. In many ways, these stages are a complement to each of the steps within the sales funnel. There may be additional value-added products or services that can be provided to customers during each stage of behavioral change they are preparing for to enhance the customer experience with the product or service. I cite Nutrisystem as an example of a program that does an excellent job incorporating these stages as upon completion of their regular program where the customer lost the desired amount of weight, they offer a Maintenance Program for customers.

The first 30-seconds describe my entire adult life. I love the simple steps to break down. At times, I've reached various stages but stalled out. However, when I've achieved my goals, my actions follow this model, but I didn't know what I was doing.
I'm looking forward to putting this into practice.

Thank you, Dr. Guess, I enjoyed the video it was entertaining and informative. I did not know about the Transtheoretical Model. I will share it with my family and friends. I would like to start planning towards a healthier lifestyle. Another goal that I have, is to learn sign language. This video made me think of the multiple opportunities we leave behind, because of not being motivated enough to pass the pre-contemplation stage. Start preparing ourselves to reach the action and maintenance stage to achieve our goals. A positive mindset will lead us into mental and emotional wellness. It will help us in every aspect of our personal lives and careers.

I was extremely impressed with this video mostly because I have been using the "Transtheoretical Model" unknowingly. This is the first time I actually heard the steps in an informative conversation. Knowingly putting this into practice can help us realize the importance of the emotional factor in our behavioral patterns. Everyone wants to achieve their goals and change their bad habits and applying the "Transtheoretical Model" changes our state of mind from negative to positive. When we don’t feel motivated, it’s easy to feel comfortable in a bad way. Changing your perspective can help set short-term goals and objectives can help us stay motivated and fall in to good patterns. This process can apply to both your professional and personal life.

This is a topic that more people should discuss! Understanding the transtheoretical model takes out the guesswork of how to change your behavior. I too have great intentions of creating new behaviors that will decrease my stress. I set a goal of going to the gym four times a week to get active and healthy. However, when the time comes to go I find various excuses not to work out. Cue the: "I am tired", "I have had a long day" or the infamous "I will go tomorrow". Dr. Guess the true gem you shared is how in the maintenance stage building a supportive network prevents a relapse. I ended up switching my gym membership to one where my friends go regularly. With their support and encouragement, I now make the time to go to the gym! They keep me motivated and on track to achieve my fitness goals. After watching this insightful video, I know the value of creating support groups to change behavior. Next up: Creating a book club to encourage me to read more.

So often, it seems, do we look at goals and expect instant gratification. But in order to be successful it's all about preparation and determination. I thought it was especially important that in the action phase, it was necessary for Isabella to have a support system behind her. Building better habits takes a tremendous amount of effort from your self, but having friends, family, and colleagues that are supporting you and sharing in your ideals is incredibly important, too.

You have opened my eyes to a key component of the Stages of Change Dr Guess, and I have to thank you. I did not initially realize that there is such an area known as the preparation or determination phase, however if I relate this process to my own life and change in fitness regimen, it makes much more sense. I contemplated changing my fitness routine from 5 days a week to 3 days a week due to my desire in maintaining a better balance of time. Additionally my method of exercise changed from a very gym intensive program to running, which can have an aggravated impact on my joints if overdone. I did spend quite a bit of time thinking before I started, however it was truly the mental preparation (both before I began the change and during a run) that impacted my ability to stick with it long term. While it occurred to me that individuals may think before purchasing something large like a house, or investing in a long term service like a dermatologist's treatment plan, the same remains true across the board.
This has opened my eyes to all the areas of my personal life, and my professional life that I may be able to implement the stages of change and create longer impactful differences.

It's the first time I've heard about the "Transtheoretical Model" and it seems very accurate. I think it makes us realize the importance of the emotional factor in people when it comes to achieving their goals. Just recently I had a client who had a great business and he also knew that it was profitable, however, as he was the only one working in the company, he didn't feel motivated. So instead of showing him a very rational marketing plan, my first goal was to support him give him ideas about how to build a team a set achievable short-term objetives so he could feel motivated. After that, his perspective changed and he became convinced and committed to follow his dreams and his business.

Found this video to be very insightful. I'm currently in the process of reinventing myself and trying to obtain better habits. I'm currently in the action stage, and previously in times in life when I wanted a change, it failed due to the lack of preparation. Change can be a process that sometimes requires a baby step approach if you wish to receive the best long-term results. This video is very relevant to this generation because people often broadcast their results on social media and other platforms. Still, some don't realize people's efforts and preparation to acquire specific lifestyle changes.

The video has really exemplified the theory of mind of matter, i was recently in this same situation. based on pass personal experiences, i was always stuck at stage 4 when it came to continuing gym exercising, i was always faced with external issues such as to much work load or lack of proper dieting and even the lack of motivation because my gym partner stopped coming to gym at times which made me quite gym entirely. i recently started the gym again which is last year around June, and i can confidently state that i am passed stage 4 of action, which places me as a consistent ongoing gym member. Gym has helped me to relieve stress from school and work activities as did it relieve the main character depicted in the video.
This a prime example of how behaviour can be changed overtime with the right reasoning of motivation and help and can lead to consistency in the outcome. I really appreciate how Dr. Wendy was able creatively portray the stages that most of us go through with change and was able to carry us through that with storytelling which is an extremely beneficial element.

I found this video really interesting, I never knew there are some stages on how we can improve in a particular situation. What we normally hear is if you want to change something let's say an habit, just start by doing different things, but there's more behind this "new things", there are some steps we accomplished as soon as we are focus on changing our habits.

Thank you for this video! It was eye-opening to our habits and why so often we can fail at meeting out goals and that these do not happen overnight, we go through stages to get there. It reminded me of challenges I've been facing and a reminder to stick to it and not be discouraged. It gives that extra motivational push we may need. Once you address which stage you're in, it's easier to stay more committed and move on to the next stage. Although I feel the Pre-contemplation stage is the one that is the hardest to overcome and our excuses often get the better of us.

I believe this video is on top3 of all others I've seen this week. It is incredible how I relate to the situation proposed but not only nowadays, it actually reminded me of several situations of my life. I might say that I am satisfied with my own performance in stags 1, 2, 3, and 4, but my struggle with stage 5 is pertinent. This reflection made me think about the cyclic theory which we start something, live it, finish it and then start all over again something similar but totally different, and if I go deeper, I can apply this to my career path, where the same challenges as been popping up in different places. Thank you for the video Dr. Wendy, it is worth the reflection!

After watching the full video, I concluded that a positive mindset is the ultimate identifier of how someone behaves. According to the video, a person goes through a total of 5 stages, and in each stage, the way they think changes gradually. As a result, of their mindset changing, their behavior changes as well. The hidden gem to this video is that leading your life with a positive mindset either on your own or with help could increase your way of life.

Thank you for this video Doctor Guess! This is a perfect example of the stages of change every person go through in their life. It can be the most simple thing in their personal life like starting to practice a sport or exercise to more complicated things is their work life like deciding to quit their jobs to start the business of their dreams. Through all the stages we’ll go through, I think the most difficult one is the maintenance stage, because it requires a lot of self thinking and auto motivation to keep doing something for a long time and don’t quitting it. For all, we should know that doing internal evaluation we’ll be the starting point that we’ll get us through all these stages. This also can be apply to businesses to their benefit because change is inevitable and every company should adjust to it.

I often have this time in life, I want to do something, and then I quit. Such as exercise. There are 5 stages to change, Pre-contemplation- contemplation-preparation(determination))- action- maintenance. I also hope to change my problem in this scientific way. To meet me and better life. Of course, behavioral science not only in life, as marketers, can through this mode to change the behavior motivation of customers, I am going to think about how to use these 5 stages, combined with customer behavior.

I often have this time in life, I want to do something, and then I quit. Such as exercise. There are 5 stages to change, Pre-contemplation- contemplation-preparation(determination))- action- maintenance. I also hope to change my problem in this scientific way. To meet me and better life.

In life, I often have this time, I want to do something, and then I quit. Such as exercise. There are 5 stages to change, Per-contemplation, contemplation preparation- action- maintenance.I also hope to change my problem in this scientific way. To meet me and better life.

I find this video an incredibly creative tool to understand how people go through different stages (consciously or not) in order to change. However, I consider that from all of the stages, the initial one “Pre-contemplation”, is the most difficult to overcome. When we translate the stages of change to the life of a business in the lodging (hotels) segment, it is very strange when they go from one service provider to another, since that action that must occur so the change process starts, has to be basically chaotic and determinant, because the costs that come with it are incredibly high. However, if there is a mutually beneficial relationship and the buyer has the ability to go through all of the other stages always considering the fact they want to keep working with their same provider, all that information that has been obtained can be used in favor of the buyer.

Dr. Guess, the only shortcoming of this video is that it wasn't longer! How interesting it was to understand a scientific approach to something we ALL go through. As you explained each stage of the model, I kept thinking back to my personal journeys--how long I spent in some stages, why I failed/succeeded in making different life changes, and the challenges/accelerators that helped or deterred my progress. It really is such a common and applicable concept!

Now, from a marketing perspective, each stage represents an opportunity to engage with customers and help get them through all 5. There are so many lifestyle changes people choose to make every day. Smoking, personality traits, nutrition, organization, fitness, relationships, professional, discipline--all of these are areas addressed (or that can be addressed) by companies. On that note, a deeper understanding of the transtheoretical model and its nuances would help marketers better define target audiences & approaches.

Dr. Wendy, I loved watching this video! It was very informative and insightful. We all have certain habits or patterns that we could use the Transtheoretical Model to help us change for the better. I believe this model is not only useful to implement in our personal lives but also businesses can greatly benefit from understanding the stages of change too. This model can be universally applied since regardless of age, gender, and/or ethnic group, we all go through those same exact stages of change. Having a clear understanding of each stage of change can help organizations to understand the thought process of their customers better which can help them to cater to their needs better depending on what stage of the change process their customer might be in.

Thank you for the clear explanation on the stages of change, Dr. Guess. Change is not done from one day to the other, it's a process and a list of steps has to be followed once we determine the objective and recognize we are ready to begin. Considering the walking example, it requires time for it to become a habit. The stages of change can be exited and re-entered at any time, and I believe the most difficult one is maintenance; how many times a year do people start a diet or start going to the gym? Taking these steps into accountability could make us more organized and better recognize the challenges and characteristics of each.

It's interesting how this is such a straightforward process we all go through, yet we, might forget it when needing to persuade an audience of a product or brand. I work in the marketing industry and there's a specific part of the video that gave me a different perspective as to how to appeal and attract the buyer behavior. People tend to search for different justifications to do things or take action. We as marketers should not only be present in our own personal marketing avenues but in external ones as well. When offering a service or product, the exposure those offerings have in the external marketing opportunities (events, external social accounts, offline marketing material in various locations, third party paid advertising) can play a fundamental role to the contemplation & preparation stage. This, I think, are the most crucial stages in buyer behavior because the ultimately converts the audience to a consumer. So, in addition to focusing on how we promote our brand or product internally, we must also plan to have an external marketing plan that goes beyond, and compliments, our own.

Thank you Dr. Wendy Guess for providing such an educational video. After watching your video, I can say that behavioral science can improve your personal life as well as your professional life. In my work setting, I can see myself applying the 5 stages of the chain to become a better employee and colleague to my peers. Understanding and making sure that internally I have a good attitude towards work; will ultimately reflect externally. By following and recognizing each step I am in when conflicted a work, I will be able to change my internal attitude to make the external adjustments needed. Thank you for providing this insight, it has truly resonated with my own professional life.

Thank you for outlining the behavioral science to understanding the change process, Dr. Wendy Guess! Understanding the Transtheoretical Model gives marketers the opportunity to evaluate what stage consumers are in to then position themselves in the best possible way based off of that information. Each stage and its process resonated with me because I believe it has a direct connection to the AIDA Model in that Stage 1: Pre-Contemplation needs to grab the 'Attention' of the consumer; Stage 2 & 3: Contemplation & Preparation can be directly connected to 'Interest'; and Stage 4: Action is then directly connected to the same term 'Action' in the AIDA Model. Basing your strategy on the intel you receive from your target audience, is always your primary step when creating a plan - however, understanding each stage of the process and molding your promotion, customer relationship and post-purchase communication can create an entirely new experience for your organization.

Great video Dr. Guess! The way you explained the stages of change made it much easier to understand the concept.
Behavioral science is powerful to understand the consumer and their thought patterns that can help us, marketers, create more targeted and effective campaigns. Some things I think are relevant to this topic and that should be considered in every stage; are the importance of how the choices are presented to the consumer, which can impact their decision-making process, what motivates them to purchase or what directs their thought process, the impact of society and external/internal factors that can affect how the consumer reacts to your product or service.

This video is so relatable to me! In my opinion, having a solid support system in stage 4: action is key to reaching a certain goal whether it be business or lifestyle. Relying on motivational resources to not get off track is fundamental to maintaining consistency over time. When we feel unmotivated, just having the support of people around is enough to boost our commitment and prevent relapse. When we are trying to change our habits, it's common to experience resistance. Building a support group that shares our mission is an effective way to not feel alone in the process.

What a relatable way to illustrate the Stages of Change - thank you, Dr. Guess! While watching this video and learning about the Transtheoretical Model, I couldn’t help but notice how much this reminds me of the AIDA Model in which consumers move through a series of stages while making purchasing decisions. Like the AIDA Model, the Transtheoretical Model involves an individual becoming aware of the change they might choose to make, developing an interest in learning more, and then a desire to make the actual change which results in the action, or beginning to make the change. When in the action stage, Isabella’s progress begins to falter, and she requires the help of her group leader to get her back on track. Similarly in marketing, while moving through the purchase decision process, a customer might begin to fall off. At this point, like Isabella’s group leader, it’s up to us as markers to utilize tools such as CRM systems and predictive communication to get our consumers back on track to meet our overall marketing objectives.

Thanks for this great, fun video, Dr. Guess. The way you explained and summarized everything that goes into making a change is really enlightening and can be used across various industries and job fields. The information you presented in this video can help marketers take a step back from shoving products and services down people's throats and instead focus on when people can commit to making a change/purchase. A hidden gem I noticed was that the stages of change also, in a way, mimic the total consideration period consumers go through before deciding to make a purchase. By understanding the steps, consumers go through; marketers might be able to meet consumers where they are at in the "change process," helping them convert and become customers.

When I watched Dr. Wendy's video, it immediately reminded me of when I was trying to stop drinking Coke. I went through all the stages she mentioned and realized just how hard it is to implement the Transtheoretical model. After watching the video though, I tried to consider how this could be implemented within my marketing career. Now this was quite tricky. I struggled to consider a situation where I would use this but then it hit me. Those clients that have a set deadline in their head and don’t want to bend. I believe that I can use this by maneuvering into words why the changes or date completion dates should go in a different direction. The key is to get the client to start thinking about it and contemplating it, so this is as a marketer, I believe I would have to be witty with my pitch and make sure the see the end result within the bigger picture. Thank you, Dr. Wendy, for this insightful video, which I had not considered in the past.

One aspect of this video that really gave me a different perspective of the marketing communications role on the steps of the transtheoretical process is that we can actually change the behavior of the customers before they have any consideration of a product. In addition, marketing communications can play an important role in the maintenance phase by providing then reasons to keep going with the product or service.

Some would notice the role that the external influences play in any of the stages of the behavior change experience. In the video, Isabella's positive change was initiated by her friend, who supported her also in the preparation stage later. I've always considered how determinant external influences could be for the success of any positive behavior change.
On the other hand, few would notice that all of us could play that role and become that determinant factor that influences positive changes in the people we love or the causes we believe the most.

Dr. Wendy does a fun and quirky video describing the process of how to improve your life using the transtheoretical model. She deliberately uses the illustrations to show a real life scenario of the process of change. As a marketer, the best way to use this theory is on oneself first and foremost, because in order to use this in real life business scenarios, you must first accept the concept. Marketers have to be prepared for clients that have certain ideas they are fixated on and may want to use them instead of what we, as the experts, may recommend. This theory can be used to learn self discipline, the concept of persuasion and patience. Although today I do not do marketing, I can say that I have had to use this model in the past and occasionally still do. For example, I have to stop working or doing homework to go to the gym because I have created a pattern based on the fact that I am much more proficient. I also use it when I have had to take a moment at work and not respond to someone due to their tone or wording. In those situations, I created a pattern to learn to not overreact, wait 10 minutes, write my email and then step away or close it for at least one hour. It has worked quite well, but I will say this takes time and dedication. One must be able to accept their faults and truly want to implement the model in order for it to work.

I have recently made a big change in my life with my career path. I had always worked for bigger corporations, and I found myself becoming unhappy in that atmosphere. I decided to take a jump and start doing Freelance Marketing. When I made this big change, I never thought about the stages I went through but after watching this video I now see I did go through the transtheoretical model process, and I think that has a huge impact on why I am successful in my career today.

I was working nonstop at my corporate job because it was what everyone around me was doing and I had never thought about working for myself, until family and friends started encouraging me and telling me how unhappy I seemed. I did research on what it would take and how much I could expect to make. I started evaluating my finances and preparing to leave my corporate job. After I started freelance marketing, I received clients right off the bat. I got 3 full-time clients and was making more money than I had previously. I applied for an LLC license and went full-time with my new marketing business. Each of these stages helped me get to where I am today successfully and without them I think I would be back in a corporate job, unhappy and unmotivated.

Dr Wendy Love thi video! it was very insightful because I do struggle with this at times and im trying to make a change so by watching this video it inspire me to follow these steps and make sure that when im struggling understand that is a normal process and that im heading the right way now im more aware of the stages of change this video definitely made me have a different mindset. Thank you very much

This is such an interesting concept, Dr. Guess! Though the video uses an example of changes in behaviors that are rooted in personal, everyday life, the transtheoretical model is also extremely relevant to marketing. This model is reminiscent of the marketing funnel—Pre-contemplation: Awareness, Contemplation: Consideration, Preparation: Intent, Action: Purchase, Maintenance: Loyalty. It provides the framework for marketers to not only understand buyer psychology and behavior, but also to know how to best reach and influence customers at the particular stage in the change process in which they find themselves.

Hi Dr. Guess! Thank you so much for for the insight on the Transtheoretical Model, there is so much valuable and practically applicable knowledge succinctly presented in an understandable manner. I believe this process can be applied both in your professional and personal life. Furthermore, I see a lot of people doing really well in the Action stage, but understandably struggling with the Maintenance stage. I just recently transitioned into the Maintenance stage with my morning workouts. Great video and animation!

When organizations have an internal change, and this must go through the stages of change, I think organizations can accurately anticipate how long it will take to bring that new change to the maintenance stage. The knowledge of this stage will allow preparation and realistic goals when striving for the results.

It's refreshing to see such a complicated process be explained in this manner. I personally struggle with this at times and often get stuck in the contemplation stage. What works best for me is to have deadlines with firm consequences if they're missed. In my work setting, we recently started using project management software. Some early adopters like me dove head-on but I did see many get stuck in the pre-contemplation phase, while others made it to action only to revert back. Once several of us made it to the maintenance stage, it inspired the stuck ones to jump into action. Thanks, Dr. Wendy for such a great explainer video!

The final step of maintenance is a step that is often overlooked when thinking about changing behaviors or habits. Usually, when a person starts something new, they feel that they have completed their goals at the equivalent of the action step in the Transtheoretical model and may not keep up on the maintenance step of the process. When times get tough or things seem to be a little hectic, people may fall off and just say “I’ll try again another time”. By focusing and having a great support system (like the group leader in the video) the maintenance step of the process can be completed and lead to more successful changes in behavior.

Love this video, fun and engaging!

This is such a great animation I really absorbed the information quickly! I myself went thru all these stages and the preparation stage was to prepare the exercise video that I want to try so that I can save time to complete it. I’m at the maintenance stage with the help of my sister and a tracking device to know how I am doing during my runs. :)

I believe when one opens their mind to allow changes into their life, it is important to adapt to the changes by recognizing them as a process that evokes transformational planning and execution. This is typically when the action stage takes place, and with motivational self-talk and material, the results build for a stronger maintenance stage overall. I appreciate the insight that I have gained through this informative video, Dr. Guess. I find that many will benefit from this observational presentation overall.