Like many posters above, I enjoyed this article quite a bit. As a family doctor, the issue of behavioral change is something I see many times per day. One tool we were taught in my training is to learn the Stages of Change and assess the patient's current level. Then the goal for that visit is to try to help the patient move one level closer to the behavior change.
For those not familiar with the Stages of Change, I found a nice graph from UCLA's Center for Human Nutrition.(
Prochaska and DiClemente’s Stages of Change Model)
I like Steve's chess analogy a lot, and I will try using it with patients to see how they respond. The analogy in my mind would carry out like this:
Many patients will be pre-contemplative. They don't even want to play. I mention that chess is fun, and if they decide to play, I am happy to help.
Contemplative = early game. Set things up for future. Strategize ideas for change. Promote positive outcomes.
Preparation = middle game. Problem solve. Identify stumbling blocks and strategize how to overcome them. Identify support network.
Action = end game. The UCLA website mentions "practicing new behavior for 3 to 6 months". I really like Steve's 30-day trials, and recommend that to patients.
Then comes maintenance. Continue to work and study and get better. Try to become a grandmaster? I will work on that part of the analogy
