Base Camp

Base Camp

Determining Your Approach (Goal)

At Base Camp, climbers prepare for the journey ahead. The tools we provide will help you determine which health behaviors you are prepared to change, and how to set your goals successfully.

The first question you must ask yourself when setting a goal is: "Am I READY to make this change?"

The Stages of Change (Prochaska, 1983) tool allows you to determine what health changes you are ready to make right now. The Stages of Change includes five stages-or levels of readiness. The five stages are on a continuum of readiness from 1 to 5. Listed below are the definitions of each stage, and an example of thinking through the process with a health behavior.

Stages of Change	EX: Smoking Cessation
Stage 1: Pre-contemplation (so what – don’t care)	I don’t care to quit smoking; I’m not even thinking about quitting.
Stage 2: Contemplation (considering a change)	I know smoking is bad for me, and I’m thinking of quitting, but I’m not ready yet.
Stage 3: Preparation (hope to make a change soon)	I am ready to begin taking steps to quit smoking soon.
Stage 4: Action (doing it now, trying to maintain)	I am taking steps to quit smoking, but I need help to maintain this behavior change.
Stage 5: Maintenance (it’s a habit)	I haven’t smoked for eight months and I take precautions to avoid relapse.

Review your Personal Health Report, and pick one behavior you're ready to change. Be sure that the behavior falls into Stage 3, 4, or 5. If the behavior you're considering falls into Stage 1 or 2, you'll probably be more successful with another behavior choice. Once you have chosen a behavior you are READY to change, go ahead and fill out section 2 of your Trek Guide.

For successful goal setting, climb up and start Honing Your Goals!