Stage 1 - Preparing – Accept the Start

Preparing for Change: The First and Most Important Step

You might be tempted to skip the preparation phase and jump straight into action—whether it’s starting a new diet, getting back to the gym, tackling procrastination, or reducing stress. It’s easy to overlook this crucial first step because, at first glance, it doesn’t seem as exciting as the idea of seeing results.

But here’s the reality: without preparation, any change you attempt is built on shaky ground.

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail,” and in the case of long-lasting change, this couldn’t be more true. Without a strong foundation, your efforts may be short-lived, and you’ll likely find yourself falling back into the same old patterns—feeling stuck and frustrated all over again.

In the Preparing phase, we focus on establishing the right mindset and clarity required for real transformation.

This involves more than just deciding what you want to change.

It’s about fully understanding the challenge you’re about to take on, mentally accepting it, and ensuring that your brain and body are ready for the journey ahead.

Why Preparation Is So Important:

• Setting the Right Mindset: If you jump in without mentally preparing, your mind may not be in the right place to handle setbacks, challenges, or the inevitable discomfort that comes with change.
• Building a Strong Foundation: Think of it like building a house. If the foundation isn’t solid, the structure can’t stand for long. Similarly, without proper mental preparation, even the best plans can crumble when met with stress or uncertainty.
• Managing Expectations: Change is a process that takes time and that process simply cannot happen without time and sustained effort.  Without setting realistic expectations, it’s easy to become disillusioned or give up too soon. Proper preparation helps you understand that while results may not be immediate, every step forward is progress.

During this stage, you’ll explore the science of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself. You’ll learn how change is not about willpower alone, but about creating new pathways in the brain. This foundation is crucial because it shifts your mindset from thinking change is “hard” or “impossible” to seeing it as a natural, achievable process.

The Key Components of the Preparation Phase:

1. Awareness: Begin by recognizing the areas in your life that need change. This is more than just a vague feeling of dissatisfaction—it’s about becoming fully aware of specific areas where you want to improve.
2. Understanding Neuroplasticity: We’ll dive into how your brain is wired to change and adapt. Neuroplasticity is your greatest asset in making lasting change. This isn’t about forcing yourself to be more motivated; it’s about working with your brain’s natural ability to form new habits and thought patterns.
3. Identifying the Risks of Not Changing: We’ll explore the consequences of staying stuck. What does it mean for your health, your relationships, and your overall happiness if you don’t take action now? By fully understanding the risks of not changing, you’ll be better prepared to commit to the process.

What Happens If You Skip This Step? Many people rush into change without preparation, and while they may see short-term results, those results often don’t last. Without a clear understanding of what you’re trying to achieve and why, it’s easy to fall back into old habits. This leads to a cycle of starting and stopping, feeling like change is impossible.

Skipping this step can also leave you vulnerable to setbacks. When challenges arise—and they always do—you may not have the mental resilience to push through. But with proper preparation, you’ll have the strength, clarity, and mindset to keep going.

By focusing on preparation, you set yourself up for success. You create a solid foundation that allows you to navigate challenges with ease, stay committed, and ultimately achieve your goals.

This isn’t about forcing yourself into change—it’s about understanding the journey ahead, aligning your mind and body, and giving yourself the best chance to succeed. The stronger your preparation, the more likely you are to reach your goals and create lasting change.