Which stage involves planning to take action in the near future?

• A. Contemplation
• B. Action
• C. Preparation
• D. Maintenance

Answer: (C)

Understanding the stages of change, the stage where a person plans to act in the near future is Preparation. In this stage, individuals have moved beyond simply thinking about change and are actively getting ready to act soon. They may set a specific target date, outline concrete steps, gather necessary resources or support, and begin taking small actions toward their goal. This differs from contemplation, where there’s awareness of the need to change but no firm plan; from action, where actual changes are being implemented; and from maintenance, where the new behavior is being sustained over time. When working with clients, recognizing this stage helps you support them with a concrete action plan, a realistic timeline, and strategies to address potential barriers.