Change is a complicated thing. If you are someone contemplating the changes that will occur in becoming a successful small business owner, it will help to have a bird’s eye view of where you are along the continuum.
To that end, Dr. James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente developed a transtheoretical model of change in 1982 that has been applied to everything from weight loss to drug addiction with great success and recognition. Although his model has never before been applied to those considering starting a successful small business, it is a highly relevant model that will help take the pressure off people who think they should be further from where they are and provide a compassionate understanding of where they are. is it so. each person is along the scale.
Three great things about stages of change
Prochaska and DiClemente’s transtheoretical model of change identifies five stages of change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance.
The precontemplation stage (currently not considering the change)
This stage could really be called “the precursor stage of change.” This is the stage where people may not even be thinking about becoming a small business owner. In fact, at this stage, they may not even realize that it would be beneficial for them to make a change, even though other people around them may think they should. The motto of this stage is: Ignorance is bliss.
How to know if you are in the Precontemplation Stage:
1. You’re not really thinking about starting a small business.
2. You are basically okay with how things are.
3.Others may be expressing concerns about the hours you work, the stress you seem to be under, or how much you need to take a vacation.
Those at this stage do not intend to take action within the next 6 months.
The contemplation stage (thinking about the change and investigating options)
In the Contemplation Stage, people are aware that a change is needed and really want to make a change. Although they are seriously thinking about the change, they do not have a clear action plan because they feel ambivalent about the change. The motto of this stage is: just sit on the fence waiting to see what will happen.
How to know if you are in the Contemplation Stage:
1. You find yourself doing research online and thinking about what it would be like to own a small business.
2. You seek the perspective of others who have “been there, done that.”
3. You are drawn to magazine articles on entrepreneurship and small business ownership.
Those at this stage are considering taking action within the next 6 months.
The preparation stage (ready for change and making plans)
This stage of change is evident by the amount of activity, decisions, and overt action that takes place in preparation for starting a small business. This is a time to plan how and when the go-live process will begin. The motto of this stage is: I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.
How to know if you are in the Preparation Stage:
1. Your small business start-up coach has become your best friend.
2. Your white board is being exercised daily as you look at all aspects of small business ownership.
3. You are regularly experiencing both excitement and fear.
People at this stage intend to take action within the next month.
The action stage (make changes and take charge)
This stage is characterized by a considerable amount of steady forward movement. All necessary paperwork is completed, business checking accounts are opened, company name is registered, business cards are selected, a website is developed, and strategic action plans are drawn up. The motto of this stage is: Carpe Deum.
How to know if you are in the Action Stage:
1. You are in full action mode.
2. He spends most of the day focused on his new small business and he loves it.
3. You are committed to carry out your actions.
People at this stage are taking action.
The maintenance stage (continuous forward movement toward the goal)
At this stage, people are firmly ensconced in the forward motion and drive to launch their new small business. The goal of this stage is an ongoing commitment to keep moving your small business success forward. The motto of this stage is: Westward, ho!
How to know if you are in the Maintenance Stage:
1. Your business runs smoothly.
2. You have begun to move back through the stages of change to further develop and expand the growth of your small business.
3. You are actively seeking new opportunities for change and growth.
People at this stage continue their momentum.
In Praise of Prochaska and DiClemente’s Transtheoretical Model of Change
As demonstrated, the Prochaska and DiClemente Transtheoretical Model can be easily adapted to the stages of change that occur in small business creation. People who are considering whether or not they are ready to become a small business owner no longer need to be left with the “if” question. Rather, they can easily find a clear answer about where they are in the process of change. As a result, they themselves become powerful and effective change agents. In addition, they learn that change, while life-changing, can be life-affirming and life-enhancing.