Increasing Motivation & Readiness for Change Action | Addiction and Mental Health Recovery
youtu.be
The content segments discuss the action stage of readiness for change and the importance of maintaining motivation throughout the recovery process. Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes compares this stage to going on a trip, where in the preparation stage, you pack and make plans, and in the action stage, you actually leave and start the journey. In the action stage, you are motivated and ready to make the change, and you have the necessary tools and resources to accomplish your goal.
Dr. Snipes emphasizes the need to maintain motivation, using the analogy of a long car trip where motivation can wane over time. She suggests spending about 50 minutes each day doing three things to maintain motivation. It's important to recognize that discomfort and pain are part of the journey and to be aware of the skills, tools, and resources available to help along the way.
To prevent relapse or falling back into old behaviors, Dr. Snipes suggests finding three people who can provide honest and constructive feedback to help uncover blind spots. She advises exploring the pros and cons of the problem and the solution, comparing your perception with others' perceptions. Change is a gradual process, and it's important to be compassionate with yourself and not expect perfection from the start.
Dr. Snipes emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. By building on strengths and identifying support systems, you can minimize weaknesses and increase your chances of success. It's also important to get to know and trust yourself, understand warning signs, motivations, and what has worked in the past. If something hasn't worked before, exploring alternative approaches may be beneficial.
The content segments discuss the action stage of readiness for change and the importance of maintain