It’s possible to help people find motivation to create positive lifestyle changes by using motivational interviewing techniques. Motivational interviewing assumes people with less-than-ideal behaviors are at various stages of preparedness for making changes. This tool can be especially helpful for people who are ambivalent about building new lifelong habits. These can include starting a healthier diet, quitting smoking or drinking, exercising more, better-managing stress, etc.
Motivational interviewing asks open-ended questions such as “What worries you about changing your diet?” Counselors and doctors work as partners with their patients, using empathy and compassion for where their patients are in life. Practitioners use active listening, positive affirmation of what the client is saying, and encourage self-motivational statements. Motivation is found by exploring and reinforcing each client’s reasons for change.
Finding a professional to support you with change is best, but you can use these tools at home in your own life. Start by getting yourself a journal and listing a problematic behavior you are thinking about changing. Then, write down any concerns you have with the change. Next, explore the pros and cons of the new behavior. Finally, decide what you would like to accomplish and the next step for achieving your desired goal.
The information offered by this newsletter is presented for educational purposes. Nothing contained within should be construed as nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. This information should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet or fitness program. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of any information contained within this newsletter.
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