[30] How to change?

One-Line Summary: We all want change but only a few embrace it and implement it, Why can change be so hard?

One Paragraph Summary

Many people desire change in their lives, whether it's in their personal relationships, careers, health, or other areas. However, despite this desire, change can often be difficult to achieve and sustain. This is because change often requires breaking out of comfort zones and habits that have become ingrained over time, which can be challenging and uncomfortable. Additionally, people may struggle with change due to fear of the unknown, self-doubt, or a lack of motivation. These factors can make it difficult for people to take the necessary steps to achieve their desired change, leading to frustration and a sense of stuckness. Nevertheless, with the right tools, support, and mindset, it is possible to overcome these obstacles and successfully embrace and implement change.

Newsletter

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” - George Bernard Shaw

"Change" was the most searched word on Google in 2022.

Some possible reasons why "change" may have been a popular search term could include:

• Global events like the COVID-19
• Personal change: Such as improving health, relationships, or finances.
• Business change: Facing new challenges and desire to adapt and evolve in changing market conditions.
• Social change: Social movements and activism, interest in changes in society.
• Technological change: The rapid pace of technological advancement makes us wonder how to stay ahead of change and harness its benefits.

Whatever the reason, many people desire to change but most of them struggle with it as change can be hard for several reasons, including:

• COMFORT with the familiar: People often resist change because they feel emotionally comfortable and secure with their current routines and habits.
• Fear of the UNKNOWN: Change often brings uncertainty, and people can feel anxious or afraid of what will happen next.
• Loss of CONTROL: People may feel that changes are being imposed on them, causing a loss of control and a sense of vulnerability.
• Cognitive BIASES: People have a tendency to cling to their beliefs and past experiences, making it difficult to consider new ideas and perspectives.
• RESISTANCE to leaving one's comfort zone: Change often requires stepping outside of one's comfort zone, which can be scary or intimidating.
• Lack of MOTIVATION: People may not see the benefits of change or lack the motivation to make it happen.
• Resistance from OTHERS: Change can be hard when others around you are resistant to it or actively blocking it.
• Fear of Rejection and ego attachment.

It's important to understand these challenges and develop strategies to overcome them in order to successfully embrace and implement personal change, which typically involves the following steps:

• IDENTIFY the change you want to make: Clearly define what change you want to make and why it's important to you.
• Set a GOAL: Break your desired change down into specific, measurable goals to help you track your progress.
• Create a PLAN: Develop a step-by-step plan for how you will achieve your goal, including a timeline and the resources you'll need.
• Remove OBSTACLES: Identify and address any obstacles that may be preventing you from making the change, such as negative beliefs or habits.
• Enlist SUPPORT: Surround yourself with people who support your goals and can help you stay motivated and on track.
• CELEBRATE progress: Celebrate your progress along the way, no matter how small, to help you maintain momentum and stay focused on your goal.
• Stay FLEXIBLE: Be open to adjusting your plan as needed, as changes in circumstances may require modifications.
• Maintain ACCOUNTABILITY: Hold yourself accountable for making the change and staying committed to your goals.
• Reframe SETBACKS: Learn from setbacks and view them as opportunities to grow and improve, rather than reasons to give up.
• SUSTAIN the change: Make the change a permanent part of your life by incorporating it into your routines and habits.

Remember that change can be difficult and take time, but with persistence and the right approach, you can successfully embrace and implement personal change.

How wonderful would be, if we could reframe how we think about change and accept the reality that change is one of the only certain things and just flow with it?

Experimenting, learning and experimenting again, and again.

Credit to: ChatGPT and Richard Benjamins for letting me know about this amazing tool!

References and/or Recommended Resources:

• Dhliwayo, M. (2017). 10 Tips On How To Better Respond To Life’s Changes—African Leadership Magazine. https://www.africanleadershipmagazine.co.uk/10-tips-better-respond-lifes-changes/