Preparation is Key - Part Three of Four
Preparation: The “I’m Ready” Stage
This is the phase where you’ve decided it’s time to make a change. You’re actively planning, setting goals, gathering information, and clearing space in your life to take action. The Preparation Stage isn’t just for the very beginning — it can come up multiple times throughout your fitness journey. Anytime you need to adjust, grow, or take things to the next level, this stage is key.
Just Getting Started
At the very beginning , you’ll likely identify what feels most pressing, the one thing that needs to change first. From there, you set a goal and begin researching what will help you achieve it.
Examples:
- You want to lose 40 pounds. You might start looking for gyms that specialize in weight loss, search for healthy recipes, and clear the “junk” food from your cupboards.
- You’ve lost strength and want to regain it. You might look for a gym that focuses on strength training, purchase some home equipment, or download a workout app.
You want to start running again. You might find a beginner running group, create a playlist to keep you motivated, and invest in proper running shoes.
Already in Action… But Ready for More
Once you’ve been on your fitness journey for a while, the initial results may have plateaued. That routine that once brought success might now feel boring or ineffective. Recognizing the need for change brings you back to the Preparation Stage, but this time, it’s about building on your progress.
Example:
You’ve been training at a cross-training gym for two years. You’re strong and confident, and now an obstacle race catches your eye. You’ll need to prep with a specialized program, adjust your workouts, and perhaps add new skills to be ready.
A Personal Story
I have someone very special in my life who, before her “ah-ha” moment, had reached a pretty unhealthy place. A new job and a change in location disrupted her routine. Movement became harder to fit in, and unhealthy food was always the easier option. With so much of her focus on adjusting to these changes, her health began to slip.
She told me about a couple of key moments that really stood out to her. She loves being outdoors, especially on the water, but one day while paddleboarding with friends, she couldn’t keep her balance to stand up the way they could. Every attempt ended with her falling. Another moment came at what should have been a fun, dress-up event. Instead of enjoying herself, she felt uncomfortable in her outfit and struggled with the walking, especially up the hills, that left her out of breath.
For her, those struggles were the turning point; the moments when she realized her unhealthy habits were starting to take away the things that brought her joy.
This was her “ah-ha” moment.
Once she accepted that something had to change, she took action:
- She hired a nutritionist to guide her eating habits.
- She set a goal to run a half marathon.
- She created a reward system to stay motivated.
- She planned time each day for some form of exercise.
- She tried free trials at different gyms to find what suited her best.
This story shows how the Preparation Stage isn’t just planning, it’s about identifying what you need, taking thoughtful steps, and setting yourself up to succeed.
What's Next
Now… you've planned, prepared, and set the stage for success. You’ve laid out your goals, gathered the tools and knowledge you need, and created a roadmap to follow. The next step is where your preparation meets momentum. Where thinking turns into doing, consistency begins, and real progress starts to happen. This is the Action Stage… but we’ll dive into that in the next time.
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