More and more people are realizing the negative impact of our actions under the current “take, make waste” global economic model on the environment. Environmental movements that oppose the continued degradation of the planet remind individuals, communities and governments that it is essential to act now. According to Prochaska and DiClement, however, the only way to increase the effectiveness of a given call to action is for the suggested behavior change to be appropriate to where a person currently is in the Transtheoretical Stages model of change. Behavior modification, from daily habits to a more fundamental lifestyle overhaul, is often challenging to the point of failure. This happens because people “bite bigger than they can chew,” so to speak. Understanding how change progresses through 5 stages is a very effective way to increase action and give people the tools they need. The First Stage - Precontemplation First described by Prochaska and DiClemente in 1983, and developed by countless change agents since then, the first stage of change is precontemplation. A person at this stage is not yet aware of the negative impact of their current behavior on the environment and therefore sees no benefit in changing. For example, if a call to action suggests eating fair trade organic food from local farmers' markets as an effective way to reduce our carbon footprint, a person in the pre-contemplation stage is likely to see this as a senseless and embarrassing expense. Understanding that inaction will result from inappropriate expectations at this stage avoids externalized frustration and internalized guilt. A more appropriate intervention, grant... middle of paper ...... presents its own set of challenges, and a continued sense of benefit and social support is necessary to mitigate any gaps that may arise. Creating a belief system and behavior adjustments are difficult. The Stages of Change model is an effective tool for everyone because it shows that change is possible no matter where a person is. Understanding this tool helps create empathy towards those who are not ready to change, and helps break down actions into realistic and achievable achievements based on the level of relevance. Finally, it highlights the fact that change is a fluid and gradual process, in which failures are as recoverable as they are inevitable. Faced with global warming and the colossal tasks that await us, grounding and mindfulness are essential. Above all, applying this template helps you fulfill these necessary conditions.