Preparation ("ready")

People are intending to take action in the immediate future, and may begin taking small steps toward behavior change.

They take small steps that they believe can help them make the healthy behavior a part of their lives.

For example, they tell their friends and family that they want to change their behavior.

People in this stage should be encouraged to seek support from friends they trust, tell people about their plan to change the way they act, and think about how they would feel if they behaved in a healthier way.

Their number one concern is: when they act, will they fail?

They learn that the better prepared they are, the more likely they are to keep progressing.