What primary factor can influence an individual’s readiness to change according to behavior change models?

Personal motivation is a crucial factor that significantly influences an individual's readiness to change according to behavior change models. This intrinsic drive is what propels individuals to initiate and sustain changes in their behaviors, whether it involves adopting healthier habits or breaking undesirable ones. When individuals possess a strong personal motivation, they are more likely to set realistic goals, engage in self-reflection, and actively seek out strategies to support their transformation.

Motivation can stem from a variety of sources, such as personal values, aspirations, or the desire to improve overall well-being. The understanding of what drives one’s motivation is essential for practitioners as it allows them to tailor their approaches and interventions more effectively. By focusing on enhancing personal motivation, coaches or trainers can facilitate a more supportive environment that promotes lasting behavior changes.

Other factors, such as access to information, support from family and friends, and cost of resources, while important in their own right, serve as either facilitators or barriers to change rather than direct drivers of readiness. They can impact personal motivation, but it is the individual's internal drive that ultimately determines the likelihood of embarking on the journey of change.