If an individual has taken action but has not yet consistently met their goals, what stage of change are they likely in?

The individual described is in the Preparation stage of change. This stage is characterized by the commitment to take action and to make changes in their lifestyle, even if they haven't consistently met their goals yet. In this phase, individuals often start to develop a plan and may take small steps towards their objectives, indicating they are preparing for more substantial change.

In the Preparation stage, individuals are likely to gather resources, seek support, or engage in initial behaviors related to their goals. They recognize the importance of making these changes and are taking proactive steps, although they might not yet have established a consistent pattern of behavior.

In contrast, the Contemplation stage is about thinking and planning without taking action, while the Action stage denotes actively pursuing and implementing behavior changes. Finally, the Maintenance stage is the phase where individuals consistently engage in their new behaviors and work to sustain changes over time. Since the individual in question has made some attempts but lacks consistency, the Preparation stage is the most fitting categorization for their current situation.