At which stage does a person start to acknowledge desired changes and explores potential solutions?

The stage where a person begins to acknowledge their desired changes and explores potential solutions is the contemplation stage. During this phase, individuals become aware of the need for change and start to think about the benefits and drawbacks of their current behaviors. They might feel ambivalence about making changes, weighing the pros and cons, but they are actively considering the possibility of adopting new behaviors or making adjustments in their lifestyle. This stage heralds an important transition whereby the individual is not just thinking about change but is also beginning to envision what that change could look like, which sets the stage for more active planning and eventual implementation.

In contrast, once individuals reach the preparation stage, they typically start to plan for action more concretely, often developing strategies and taking small steps toward their goals. The action stage involves actively engaging in the changes they have planned, demonstrating commitment to their lifestyle adjustments. The pre-contemplation stage, on the other hand, is characterized by a lack of awareness or motivation to change, as individuals may not yet see their behaviors as problematic.

Understanding these stages helps clarify where an individual is in the process of change and what support they may need as they progress toward their goals.