The Process of Change – A Roadmap for Transformation

At Mind Works with Craig, the Process of Change is central to everything we do. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, burnout, procrastination, or looking to break free from emotional eating or addictive behaviours, the process of change remains the same. It’s a framework grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and practical strategies designed to create lasting, meaningful transformation in your life.

But change isn’t something that happens overnight, and it certainly doesn’t happen by chance. Change is a process—a structured, deliberate process that requires the brain’s ability to rewire itself, a concept known as neuroplasticity.

Neuroplasticity – The Brain’s Natural Ability to Change

Neuroplasticity is at the heart of the Process of Change. It’s the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt, form new connections, and unlearn old patterns of thinking and behaviour. When we engage with neuroplasticity, we give ourselves the ability to create new habits, new ways of thinking, and ultimately, a new way of living.

Think of the brain like a forest. Your current thought patterns and behaviours are like well-trodden paths through that forest—familiar, automatic, and deeply ingrained. In order to create real change, you must “cut new paths” through that forest. This means forming new habits and thought processes while allowing the old, unhelpful paths to grow over. It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely possible. And it’s the process of neuroplasticity that allows us to do this.

However, just like cutting a new path through a forest requires effort, persistence, and a sense of direction, so does changing the way you think and behave. That’s why we break down the Process of Change into six clear stages, each designed to guide you through this journey, step by step.

The Six Stages of the Process of Change

1. Preparing
   Before embarking on any journey, preparation is key. You wouldn’t set off on a hike without the right gear, and the same applies here. In this stage, you take stock of where you are now and what you want to change. It’s easy to overlook the importance of this stage, but without a solid foundation, it’s easy to fall short of the outcome you want.

2. Observing
   Once you’ve prepared, the next step is to fully observe your current situation. This isn’t about judgement or frustration, but rather looking at your life with clarity and objectivity. It’s here that we introduce the core concept of Mental Strength, which is the ability to observe without getting lost in emotions or distractions. Mental Strength is the foundation for change, and without it, even the best-laid plans can falter.

3. Understanding
   Change begins when we start to understand why we think, feel, and behave the way we do. This stage involves exploring the different Parts of Self and Psychological Processes of Distress. By gaining insight into the internal conflicts that may be holding you back, you begin to unravel the layers of your current situation and see the path forward.

4. Managing
   This stage is all about taking Purposeful and Structured Action. Understanding alone isn’t enough—you need to actively manage the different aspects of your life to move forward. Here, we introduce the Tower Block model, Gears of Motivation, and Pillars of Health, which provide practical tools for navigating your energy, emotions, and motivation as you move through the process of change.

5. Overcoming
   Dealing with the past is a vital part of overcoming the barriers that hold you back. At this stage, we dive into how to confront and heal from your past experiences, particularly those that have shaped your Negative Core Beliefs. It’s here that you’ll work with the Map of the Subconscious to understand how your life experiences have influenced your current thinking and behaviours—and, crucially, how you can change that.

6. Outcome & Growth
   Finally, this stage is about creating and sustaining growth. Most people want to skip straight to goal setting and achieving results, but without the earlier stages, these goals are rarely achieved. By focusing on Mental Strength, creating new habits, and maintaining a commitment to personal growth, you can achieve lasting transformation.

The Connection to Mental Strength

The Process of Change is only as strong as the mental foundation that supports it. That’s why Mental Strength plays a critical role in every stage of this process. From observing your current situation to managing your actions and overcoming past challenges, Mental Strength is the tool that helps you stay focused, resilient, and capable of building new, healthy patterns.

This isn’t about willpower or pushing through discomfort—it’s about learning to work with your brain’s natural processes to create lasting change. Mental Strength allows you to observe without judgement, focus your attention, and engage with neuroplasticity in a way that makes real transformation possible.

Ready to Begin?

Now that you understand the Process of Change, you can begin to explore the individual stages in more depth. Each step is designed to build upon the last, guiding you through the journey of self-discovery and transformation. Start by diving deeper into Mental Strength, where you’ll learn how to develop the focus, clarity, and resilience needed to engage with this process fully.

Join the Course Today and begin your journey toward lasting, meaningful change.