Stage 4:
You take action

"Take action"

Now, you're actually doing what you said you would.

As you're doing it, you're probably assailed by all kinds of negative thoughts, fears, doubts. They are part of the process: a normal resistance to change. What do you expect? If it was easy, you'd have done it before. The more you're aware of this, the more you can go on despite the resistance.

The more specific your plan, the easier it is to follow. This is a good time to adjust your plan to be more specific (e.g. "exercising on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at lunch", as opposed to "3 times a week").

What it takes to make this stage work:
- You treat your goals as a priority, so you don't get sidetracked by all the excuses that will inevitably come your way.
- You plan for some rewards to yourself as you go along. You're not celebrating the big success prematurely, you're just acknowledging success in each little step.

The next stage is "Keep at it"...

... or get the free e-book.

Stages of Change e-book

Change Theory
1. not really ready
2. getting serious
3. have a plan
4. take action
5. keep at it
6. done!?
- The book

Resolutions That Work