What is the most effective way to progress from precontemplation to contemplation?

Progressing from precontemplation to contemplation is a critical step in behavioral change, primarily characterized by an individual's growing awareness of the need for change. Focusing on increasing the pros — or the benefits — of making a change can effectively motivate someone in precontemplation, who may not yet recognize their behavior as a problem.

Increasing the pros involves helping individuals identify and articulate the positive outcomes associated with changing their behavior. For example, talking about how quitting smoking can lead to better health, improved energy levels, or financial savings can inspire someone to start considering change. This approach shifts the individual’s mindset and nudges them toward contemplation, where they begin to weigh the advantages of change against the disadvantages.

In contrast, the other options lack the direct motivational impact necessary for this transition. Decreasing cons may simply lead to minimizing awareness of the problems, while seeking external validation may not truly resonate with the individual’s personal motivations, and consulting a professional, while helpful, does not directly address the internal process of recognizing the pros of change. Thus, increasing the pros aligns closely with the goals of moving an individual from precontemplation to contemplation.