* This is part of a year-long series called “52 Weeks to Eating better than Ever”. Click on the side bar for more information and to read the previous essays.
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The bottom line: Eating better requires behavior change, and behavior change is hard. Understanding how change works and having a model will increase our chance of success.
There are many varied theories on change. Some researchers and anecdotal reports point to success with a “cold turkey” or extreme approach to a new behavior. Other studies and empirical observations show a clear benefit to a gradual approach. I know many people who just seem to change overnight with smoking or other bad habits, while others try and fail numbers of time before seeing lasting success.
One of the more popular theories of change is the “Transtheoretical Model of Change” which involves 6 steps:
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance
- Exit / Relapse
(*source – NIH)
I prefer a simpler model which I developed over a course of 20 years of helping people change. This is what I call The3.0 Solutions Model for Change. It takes the simple number 3 and applies it to change, because 3 has a natural and easy geometrical fit for models, a motivational quality, and is also easier to memorize and thus effect outcomes. 3 is simple and works well for modeling things. It makes change easier. 3.0 Solutions is a concept I am developing to help people with Nutrition, Fitness, & Wellness and this is the 3.0 Solutions Model for Change. Our goal is to “become a pro” in the sense that we’ll eventually do what we need to do automatically in the end, after the initial stages of awareness and action:
Remember, models make things easier. They give us a way to “frame” things and stay on track. This is one reason the US military uses acronyms a lot, they’re easy to remember and use. Memorize the 3.0 Solutions Model for Change and use it to help you eat better, and to make other healthy changes in your life.
- Awareness
- Action
- Habit
To become a pro, learn more and become aware, take action and keep following through, and then finally you’ll have the habit in place and be a “pro” and you will do the things you want to do automatically. Change is hard, but with the right model, you can do it.
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