What should you identify to help a person get started with change?

Identifying the actions a person is able to take is crucial for helping them get started with change because it empowers them to take ownership of their journey. When individuals recognize specific, manageable steps they can implement, it builds their confidence and motivation. Focusing on actionable steps helps to create a clear pathway forward, allowing them to move from contemplation to action. This approach highlights their agency and capability, essential components for sustainable change.

In this context, fostering a sense of possibility and autonomy is key. Encouraging someone to think about what they can actively do rather than what they lack or previous unsuccessful attempts ensures that the focus remains on possibilities rather than limitations. Support systems could provide encouragement, and financial resources might be beneficial in certain scenarios, but without identifying actionable items, a person may feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start. Similarly, dwelling on previous failures can diminish motivation and hinder progress rather than facilitate it.