The Seven Stages of the Process of Change

The Process of Change is a structured, repeatable pathway that helps you move from feeling stuck to creating genuine and sustainable transformation. These stages reflect how the brain learns, adapts and reorganises itself through neuroplasticity. When you understand each stage, change becomes far less mysterious and far more achievable.

Below is an overview of the seven stages.

1. Recurring Cycle

Change begins with awareness that something in your life is repeating and no longer serving you.
This may appear as anxiety, overeating, burnout, procrastination or relationship stress.

The Recurring Cycle is not a sign of failure. It is a signal from the subconscious that something requires attention. Recognising this pattern is the first, essential step that brings unconscious processes into conscious awareness.
From here, you move into preparation.

>>> Learn more About the Recurring Cycle (opens new window) <<<

2. Preparing

Preparation creates the foundation for everything that follows.
In this stage, you begin to understand your current position, your emotional bandwidth and your capacity for change. You also learn the importance of stabilising your Pillars of Health so that your nervous system has the safety and structure required for progress.

Many people skip this step, but without preparation, it is easy to fall back into old patterns.

>>> Learn more About the Preparing Stage (opens new window) <<<

3. Observing

Observation is the stage where you learn to see your thoughts, emotions and behaviours clearly and without judgement.
This is where Mental Strength becomes central to your progress. Mental Strength allows you to focus your attention, reduce reactivity and understand what is happening in your internal world.

You cannot change what you cannot observe.
This stage develops the clarity required for insight.

>>> Learn more About the Observing Stage (opens new window) <<<

4. Understanding

Understanding brings depth to the change process.
Here, you explore the patterns that shape your current experience. This includes:

• the Parts of Self

• the Psychological Processes of Distress

• long standing emotional patterns

• protective responses and internal conflict

The aim is not to blame yourself for the past.
The aim is to understand how your mind learned to protect you and how those patterns may now be keeping you stuck. This insight prepares you for practical action.

>>> Learn more About the Understanding Stage (opens new window) <<<

5. Managing

Managing is the point where understanding turns into action.
It is about taking structured, realistic steps that support a healthier mind and body.

In this stage you work with:

• the Tower Block

• the Pillars of Health

• Gears of Motivation

• the Pressure Gauge

• the Scales of Decision

These concepts help you regulate stress, stabilise energy, create routines and make decisions that support long term direction rather than short term relief. Managing is not about perfection. It is about consistency and gentle progression.

>>> Learn more About the Managing Stage (opens new window) <<<

6. Overcoming

Overcoming is where you address the past directly.
This includes unresolved experiences, learned beliefs and emotional patterns that continue to shape your present behaviour.

You work closely with the Map of the Subconscious to understand how negative core beliefs were formed and how they can be reworked. This stage helps you release old narratives, update outdated protective responses and relate to yourself with more compassion.

Overcoming creates the conditions for genuine emotional freedom.

>>> Learn more About the Overcoming Stage (opens new window) <<<

7. Outcome and Growth

Outcome and Growth is the stage where change becomes integrated and sustainable.
Rather than chasing outcomes or relying on willpower, you build new patterns that fit your identity and values.

This stage focuses on:

• reinforcing Mental Strength

• developing habits that support long term health

• creating stability across the four Pillars

• living in alignment with your True Self

• maintaining direction, rhythm and fuel

Growth is not about dramatic breakthroughs.
It is about steady, repeated actions that reshape your life through neuroplasticity and emotional integration.

>>> Learn more About the Outcome & Growth Stage (opens new window) <<<

The Role of Mental Strength Across All Seven Stages

Mental Strength is the skill that supports the entire process.
It allows you to focus, to observe without judgement, to regulate emotions and to stay connected to your intentions even when pressure rises. Without this foundation, the mind becomes overwhelmed and old patterns take over.

Mental Strength is not willpower.
It is the ability to work with your brain rather than against it.
It is the tool that helps you engage with neuroplasticity in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Ready to Begin Your Journey

Each stage of the Process of Change prepares you for the one that follows.
You can explore these stages at your own pace, revisiting them as needed and deepening your understanding over time.

A good starting point is the concept of Mental Strength, where you will learn how to develop the clarity and resilience required to work with your mind in a more effective and compassionate way.