The 5 stages of change explained

Written By Giulia Scodanibbio

a woman’s guide to cyclical living and personal transformation

I’ve always had a complex relationship with September. Growing up in Italy, it meant returning to school… A moment I dreaded. Even years later, September never felt like the “fresh start” everyone else celebrated. For me, it was more about slowing down, finding comfort, and recovering after the intensity of summer.

But living in Australia has shifted everything. Here, September means spring’s new beginnings: blossoms, baby ducks, and even the occasional snake at the door. Nature shows me that change is always cyclical: a restart after winter’s quiet contemplation.

Whether your September feels like a fresh start or a time to slow down, one theme is always present: change.

The 5 stages of change:
your roadmap to transformation

Stage 1: Precontemplation

"Everything feels normal, even when it hurts." In this stage, you might not even recognize that change is needed. You're going through the motions, perhaps feeling disconnected or unfulfilled, but haven't yet identified what needs to shift.

Stage 2: Contemplation

A whisper that something isn't right. Here, awareness begins to dawn. You start questioning your current situation, feeling restless, or sensing that something in your life needs attention. It's the beginning of conscious awareness.

Stage 3: Preparation

The juicy stage of "maybe I could..." This is where possibility comes alive. You begin researching, planning, and imagining what change could look like. It's filled with hope and excitement about what's possible.

Stage 4: Action

Scary, exhilarating, unavoidable. The rubber meets the road. You take concrete steps toward your transformation. This stage can feel terrifying and thrilling simultaneously – and that's completely normal.

Stage 5: Maintenance

Where the shift becomes your new normal. The new behavior or mindset becomes integrated into your daily life. You're actively maintaining the positive changes you've made.

Why change isn't linear (especially for women)

Here's the crucial insight that changed everything for me: change isn't linear. You loop back. You regress. Sometimes you stand with one foot in Action and another in Contemplation. And that's not failure – that's being human.

This non-linear nature of change is especially relevant for women. Our hormonal cycles naturally influence how ready we feel for transformation:

  • Some phases bring crystal-clear energy and motivation for taking action

  • Other phases bring resistance, introspection, or the need to slow down and integrate

This is why reconnecting with your cyclical nature is so transformative. When you understand your natural rhythms (both your personal menstrual cycle and the seasonal cycles around you) you develop an inner compass that helps you meet yourself exactly where you are.

Instead of forcing change to happen on someone else's timeline, you learn to:

  • Honor when your body and spirit are ready for action

  • Embrace the rest and reflection phases as equally important

  • Use your natural energy cycles to support sustainable transformation

  • Align your personal growth with nature's rhythms

Practical ways to honor your cyclical nature during times of change

  • Track Your Energy Patterns

    Notice how your motivation, creativity, and decision-making abilities shift throughout your cycle. Use this awareness to plan important changes during your high-energy phases.

  • Embrace Seasonal Transitions

    Just as September feels different in Italy versus Australia, honor how seasonal changes affect your readiness for transformation. Use spring energy for new beginnings and autumn energy for releasing what no longer serves.

  • Practice Cyclical Self-Care
    Instead of forcing the same self-care routine year-round, adapt your practices to match your current energy and the season you're in.

Moving Forward: Your Next Steps

Understanding the stages of change and honoring your cyclical nature isn't just theoretical knowledge – it's a practical approach to creating lasting transformation in your life.

As you navigate your own journey of change, remember:

  • There's no "right" timeline for transformation

  • Regression and loops are part of the natural process

  • Your body and cycles are valuable sources of wisdom

  • Small, consistent steps often create more lasting change than dramatic overhauls

What stage of change are you currently experiencing? How do your natural cycles influence your readiness for transformation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Giulia Scodanibbio