Successful Change for A Change
Successful Change for A Change
Change is easy...Transitions are hard. Think of how many times
you've tried to make a change and how many times you've been
successful...So often, resistance turns us back to our old ways.
This time, even though it might be a bit uncomfortable or
unfamiliar, welcome resistance as feedback, telling you that
you're changing the status quo--Here are the three steps to
successful change:
STEP ONE -- Starting something new is not the first step. It's
the third. Before we can begin something, we must lose
something--that is, we need to first stop and let go of what no
longer works. This may be the most difficult part of the change
process because it is uncomfortable to feel the loss of
something familiar. Self-management and facing regret is
probably the most critical step in making change work. Ask
yourself, "What is it you're holding on to that won't allow you
to move forward?"
STEP 2-- Be prepared because you have entered a naked wasteland
where you are no longer what you were, and not yet what you will
be. You have stepped into the unknown (for a brief time) and
there may be some feelings of inadequacy while you build new
skill. The greatest challenge at this point is to manage
negative self-talk--a tendency we all have to be self-critical
and judgmental--and replace the negative with the positives.
Here, you'll want to ask "What can I do to cope with the short
term discomfort of this uncertainty?"
STEP 3 -- Practice the new behavior. Here's where we can learn
from our children. Watch a child do something new -- they
practice over and over and over until the skill is mastered.
Unlike children, though, our mature minds remind us of all the
reasons why it won't work. Adopting the "open-mindedness" of a
child, we'll want to immerse ourselves in continual, positive
reinforcement that will keep us going.
Peoplesmith specializes in professional effectiveness coaching
for profound results with emotional intelligence, change and
transition and personal leadership. Permission granted to change
title.For more support in transitions, call us at 412-362-2622
for contact coaching.