Many people aren’t enthused by the concept of change, yet they can be motivated to embrace it. Eliciting and reinforcing “change talk” is a key way to do so. “Change talk is the statements we make that reflect our desire to change, focus on our ability to do so, list specific reasons for change, and express the commitment to change,” according to PositivePsychology.com.
You can engage in change talk by using questions like those listed here. As a result, you’ll be able to boost your confidence in your ability to change, clarify your strengths and then create a plan for change.
- What’s most important in your life these days?
- What do you value?
- How are you living out your values?
- What’s a priority?
- What would you like to move toward in your life?
- What types of things would you like to have in your future?
- What personal strengths do you have to help you succeed?
- When you’ve made a change in your life in the past, how did you do it?
- What did you dream about doing with your life when you were a kid? How about now?
- What would success look like to you?
- When are times you don’t live out your values as fully as you’d like?
- How does your current behavior fit within your values?
- How does it support your future goals?
- What encourages and inspires you?
- Who might offer you support as you make needed changes?
Sources: PositivePsychology.com, 11/5/19; “Motivational Interviewing,” Psychology Today; “Motivational Interviewing,” Center for Evidence-Based Practices, Case Western Reserve University
Find other ready-to-use tools like this within our NEW Building Students’ Soft Skills: Empowering Agency and Interpersonal Abilities – A Facilitation and Teaching Guide.
