Which stage involves having a specific plan of action along with set goals?

The stage that involves having a specific plan of action along with set goals is the Preparation stage. In this phase, individuals are not only aware of the need to change but also actively planning how they will implement that change. They strategize their approaches, outline their goals, and may even start taking small steps toward the behavioral change they desire. This is crucial because it sets a foundation for the forthcoming Action stage, where individuals actively engage in the behavior change.

In the Precontemplation stage, individuals may not yet recognize that they have a problem that needs changing, and therefore do not have specific plans or goals. The Action stage refers to the implementation of the plan and actively engaging in new behaviors, but does not focus on specific planning. The Maintenance stage occurs after successful behavior change has taken place, emphasizing the consistency of the new behavior over time. Thus, the Preparation stage is distinctly characterized by the formulation of concrete action plans and goal setting.