Ask

Spending a moment to set the scene and asking permission can open a constructive person-centred conversation around behaviour change. This keeps the individual actively engaged in the conversation and decision making.

Supporting behaviour change is hard work! This resource is designed to help you navigate this challenging task.

Most people are ambivalent about, rather than resistant to, increasing their physical activity levels. There are pros and cons to both maintaining the same physical activity levels as well as increasing them. Your challenge is to help an individual to consider and share their own ‘pros’ for increasing their physical activity levels and help them to develop these ideas into a workable plan that fits into their life.

Try to understand the individuals own perspective, agenda and priorities and do not assume they:[1]

1. ought to change
2. want to change
3. are primarily motivated by their health
4. either ARE or ARE NOT motivated to increase their activity levels
5. will respond well to a tough approach from you
6. must (or will) follow your advice

Learning skills such as motivational interviewing can help you avoid common pitfalls that sometimes make conversations about behaviour change unrewarding and ineffective.

References

1. Mason P, Rollnick S. Health behaviour change : a guide for practitioners. 2nd ed. /. London: : Churchill Livingstone 2010.

As an individual is more likely to change if they can personally identify with the ‘pros’ for change, help them to identify how they might benefit from being more active. Find out what they know first so that you can add to their existing understanding by sharing some of the wide-ranging benefits of being more active.