I think these steps are vital, no matter what you are trying to change.  People fail at all kinds of life changes...  trying to lose weight, quit smoking, start exercising, be more positive, change relationships, find a new job, etc., etc., etc..  There is definitely a failure of one of these steps in every failed change.  We all want things, but are unwilling to do the hard work to make the change.  Or we make chamge for others rather than for ourselves.  Sometimes we don't know what to do as well.  I think we can find the sources of our failures if we look hard at these steps and are honest with ourselves.  Thanks for a thoughtful post!