Preparation

In the preparation/determination stage, people have made a commitment to make a change. Their motivation for changing is reflected by statements such as: “I’ve got to do something about this — this is serious. Something has to change. What can I do?” This is sort of a research phase: people are now taking small steps toward cessation. They are trying to gather information (sometimes by reading things like this) about what they will need to do to change their behavior. They will find out what strategies and resources are available to help them in their attempt.

Too often, people skip this stage: they try to move directly from contemplation into action and fall flat on their faces because they haven’t adequately researched or accepted what it is going to take to make this major lifestyle change.

Characteristics:

• Committed
• Aware
• The individual is making preparations to support the change

Strategies:

• Gather information about what it is going to take to make the change
• Identify resources needed
• Confirm your readiness and ability to Change
• Identify barriers to change (support, or lack thereof, from family/friends, money, time, etc.)
• Identify new positive outcomes and expectations once change would be made 
  

Your Turn:

Can you identify when you were in this stage for the specific situation you thought of earlier? What do you imagine you were thinking about during this stage?

Notes:

The longer you spend in preparation, the more likely your action is going to be long-lasting. Note, this does not mean we spend eons preparing because that can breed too much time in which excuses start being made as a way to avoid change. It means you want to make sure you are aware of what it truly takes to make the changes you want. This is where coaching with a professional can come in handy. We provide accountability for you to meet your goals and get you out of your own way; as well as provide resources that you may not have otherwise found or known about to make your preparation all the more meaningful.