Ready to get a little nerdy?
Ready for something crazy!?
If you’ve ever studied “behavior change”, one of the first things you learned about is the “transtheoretical model of change.” Sounds complicated but it’s not!
It was developed back in the 1970’s after researchers studied smokers who were trying to quit. They broke down the “5 Mindset Stages” people go through to create a new lifestyle change.
In a nutshell, those stages are:
- Precontemplation – This is before you’re aware of a “problem” (like the need to quit smoking) or are even thinking of making any changes.
- Contemplation – You’ve got a problem that you want to solve, and you start thinking about making some changes.
- Planning – This is when you are planning to actually make the changes.
- Action – When you’re in the process of changing.
- Maintenance – You’ve successfully made the changes and are maintaining them!
We want to talk about the jump from “Planning” to “Action” … because it is so easy to get these mixed up with each other!
It’s also super easy to get stuck in planning mode.
This is especially true with all the info online, where you can literally spend hours going down one rabbit hole after another looking for the “perfect” solution to whatever problem you’re trying to solve.
Being educated and informed is always a good thing! But sometimes we confuse that prep/planning time with actually taking ACTION toward our goals.
Basically, it boils down to the fact that spending 5 minutes going for a brisk walk will get you closer to your goal than spending a half-hour shopping for the right sneakers or reading articles about the “perfect” diet or fitness routine.
(Raise your hand if you’ve ever been guilty of this! We’ve all done it from time to time.)
It doesn’t have to be a BIG action, but taking 1 or 2 steps in the direction of your goal will help you get to the “maintenance” state sooner than later!
If any of this sounds familiar to you, try experimenting by stacking some action RIGHT into your planning.
Go for that walk (or eat that apple instead of a candy bar) AND do your research if you still feel like you need to gather more info.
It’s all about taking IMPERFECT action.
And if you want to jump to the front of the planning line, this is our specialty! We can help you create a custom blueprint for success to help YOU reach your goals! For the month of June, we’re opening up a few Habit Mapping Sessions that will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Let’s dig DEEP and uncover what it is that’s holding you back from the life you want and DESERVE. Secure your SPOT by texting us at 916-235-3453
10 Comments
I am a planner. I don’t think I could stop planning. As long as I act on all my plans, I feel like I’m doing things the right way.
There definitely comes a time when too much planning can be harmful. I’m on the opposite end, where I often take action without planning too much. There needs to be a balance for sure.
Love this – I think perfection gets in the way of getting stuff done. I’ve alway said that done is better than perfect!
I plan, go over the plan and then take action. I actually find your article helpful because contemplation is always the very first step.
This is amazing!!! Unfortunately, most of people get stuck in planning and never actually implement the plans…Amazing tips, thank you so much.
I often get stuck in the planning stage. Thank you for these useful tips.
It is so easy. for me to get stuck in the contemplation phase. I am a perfectionist and until I get the perfect time to start planning to get something done, it just doesn’t happen.
Some great advice here. I am more of a dreamer but then things never get done.
I most definitely needed this! I have been doing a lot of planning and it is beyond time to start putting those plans into action.
i am so bad at planning ! i usulaly improvise a loyt but tend to achieve my goals fairly quick