September comes from the Latin meaning 7. September is also the official start of Spring and it symbolises the start of something new, the growth of ideas, rebirth and certainly a time for change!

Physiologically, change goes through a 7-step cycle and we know that change does not come easy to humans but it is most definitely possible. This serves as a guide to navigate yourself through the stages of change to achieve what you deserve sustainably.

1) PRE-CONTEMPLATION
Dysponesis in physiological terms means that there is a definite dysfunction happening but the person is blissfully unaware of it. So the sadness of this stage is that you are quite happy with the accepted level of normal. Normality is not the best you can be. Outside observers can see your issues but without your awareness, change is not possible. The give away is if you are constantly complaining about something or someone but when approached on the matter you strongly defend their peg in the ground.

2) CONTEMPLATION
Motivation is always required to set off the stages of change. This can be in the form of a crisis or a sudden flush of symptoms. However, some simply get fed up with the lies, excuses and their current situation. You are faced with your reality and the firm decision is made that your current quality of life is not what it should be and that you deserve much better. In fact you, spend a lot of time thinking, visualising and fantasising about "what it would be like if.......?"

3) PREPARATION
Now that you have contemplated the issue(s) that need to change, you also are aware of what you have to do to create the necessary change. This is where you start to get all your ducks in a row!

4) ACTION
Without the appropriate action steps change will not occur. One foot in front of another! This is a logical sequence of cause and effect, re-assessment and action again. Physiologically, my research has show that there are only 6 areas of action. I have never seen how a person that works diligently through these 6 areas and still receives no reward!

5) MAINTAINENCE
This is the make or break stage. Your options are to end in stage 6 or "pass go, collect 200" and end in stage 7. You will need to be aware of how long the issues have been in place for and therefore how strong the underlying habit is to stay as you were. The actions that you started with leading to positive changes now need to be incorporated into your normal routine / ritual until it becomes your new way of life.

6) RELAPSE
The inevitable end for most well intentioned New Years resolutions; the yo-yo phenomenon that is seen with most fad diets. Sadly if you did not do the work in stage 5, you are not going to reap those rewards. Blame is never taken but rather shifted. Remember that saying "You see, I have tried this and that and it does not work?". Please be honest with yourself - it is YOU that does not work and not the action of change.

7) STABLE PATTERN
Wow, this is the "Nirvana". You have achieved the desired result, quality of life and now with very little maintenance, you are loving life. Please be reminded - you still brush your teeth every day. Health is never constant and you are what you do consistently! So there must be daily rituals and routines that maintain the course and focus. You have to watch during yourself during times of stress and challenge because this is where people lose ground and most often it is where you initially got into the mess in the first place

 Are you focused? Begin by choosing something that needs to change. The shift from pre-contemplation to contemplation can happening instantaneously! Consult with a holistic-minded chiropractor to gain objective understanding of what preparation needs to be done and what action steps to incorporate when in care. Be accountable every step of the way with regular check-ins with your go-to-person.

Celebrate the power of conscious ability to choose and to change!