What stage in the Transtheoretical Model is defined by planning to take action within one month or having started making small changes?

In the Transtheoretical Model, the stage characterized by planning to take action within the next month or having begun to make small changes is known as the Preparation stage. This stage is crucial as it represents a transitional phase where individuals are actively preparing to change their behavior. People in this stage typically have a clear intention to change and may even take initial steps toward that change, indicating their readiness to engage fully with the process.

During the Preparation stage, individuals might gather information, develop action plans, and start implementing minor adjustments in their behavior as a way to ease into the more significant changes planned for the future. This contrasts significantly with other stages like Precontemplation, where individuals are unaware of the need for change, and Contemplation, where individuals recognize the need for change but have not committed to taking concrete steps.