Stages of Change - Stage 3: Determination - Commitment to Action
Deciding to stop/ committingto a making a change is the hallmark of this stage of change. All the weighing of pros and cons, all the risk-reward analysis, finally tips the balance in favor of change. Not all ambivalence has been resolved, but ambivalence no longer represents an insurmountable barrier to change. Most individuals in this stage will make a serious attempt to make a change in the near future. Individuals in this stage appear to be ready and committed to action.
I think I am ready to take this stage, i want to get better and i want to finally start managing my emotions and i want to live. I know i have the power in me but sometimes my emotions get to me and i need help controlling them and setting boundaries up and finally have my life in my control again, how do i stop letting myself be so vulnerable to falling apart and stop feeling so sensitive towards the mean insults and things other people tell me?
@goldenJar9570 - I think the secret is in becoming comfortable in your own skin, building a positive self-image. How often do you think people who think a lot of themselves care about other people are saying about them in a way that hurts them? You don't have to be like them. But you can think enough of yourself, know what your values are and who you are and what you believe. Then practice and repeat. 
I have always wante dto be adventerous, seeing far off places My childhood dreams are full of visions of China, Europe, Africa, and South America. But with college and my needs for financial security I have often worried I will never be able to travel. But by making long term plans and not being afraid to spend money, I know I can achieve my goals. I need to learn true patience and freedom.
Since I can remember I've had a terrible phobia of water. I can't swim, go underwater, and couldn't even contemplate jumping in a pool.
I'm going on holiday with my boyfriend next month and vowed to rid myself of this horrible anxiety for good, basically by immersion and exposing myself to it at the same childhood pool I had so many horrible experiences at when I was young. I've got quite good at facing my fears as I've got older, and usually succeed and feel much better for it. This time, it was a complete failure. The anxiety got the better of me, I didn't get anywhere near to overcoming what I wanted to overcome, and now I feel completely defeated.
I don't want to accept this as just a part of me' as I have for so long, but I don't know where to go from here and haven't got very long until we jet off.
Any help, support or motivation would be hugely appreciated.
Hey @helenlucy!!
I am so proud of you for wanting to take one step closer to overcoming your phobia!
I cannot even imagine what it must feel like!
But know that you have such a big cheer squad here for you!
You can do this! I have so much faith in you!
Baby steps is all it take! =)
You are strong and incredible!
Please let us know how you go.
If you end up swimming.... great. And if you dont, that is just fine too!
You've already taken the first step by deciding you want to overcome thing!
Go you good thing!!! =)
This is my absolute favourite stage!
Each and every stage is so important!
Whatever stage you're at is exactly where you need to be right now!
Just hold on and keep holding on until you're ready to step into the next stage!
But there is something about determination that gets me sooooo excited!!
I love that feeling of almost a fire in your belly that pushes you on to want to overcome your situation no matter what!!
Life is so far from easy, and will never be perfect, but with a little fire in your belly, WOW the possibilities are endless!!!
I am so determined to overcome my current situation!!
And love having the opportunity to listen to people here and see their incredible determination!!
So much pride and joy right here for everyone! No matter where they are in this journey!
I'm ready to start implementing a healthy weekly sleeping routine that will hopefully work with my work commitments, my language classes and cooking. I'm scared that I'm going to be a social hermit though because most of my engagements with my friends are in the evening and I don't like being alone. Any support and encouragement? :(
@HappyAndReady - Have you implemented your change? How's it going so far?
@Chiaroscuro1 Hey. I have! And it has been wonderful. I have been sleeping routinely at 10:00pm most nights and 11:30pm on late nights when I have German classes and it works so well with my work cycle and energy levels are amazing. I found some advice on the internet telling me to set an alarm to go TO bed about an hour before, to get me iff my phone and computer and start winding down and it is the best advice I ever took with this area of my life. Once a week or so on a Friday night I will pretty much disregard my sleeping routine so I can have a night out with my friends and not be in a rush to go home. Basically it's been working well! Thank you so much for asking!!!!!!!!!!
@HappyAndReady - Sounds very good!
@Chiaroscuro1 Thank you!!!! :)
i want to push myself into situations i am most uncomfortable in. I don't want to set any barriers in life.
-FREE & FEARLESS
I am committing myself to keep on writing my thesis even when though I hit a wall somewhere along the way. I choose not to resort to social media as a source of relief and distraction from the obstacles I may face while writing. I will not give up.
