Change is Hard! Take These Steps to Begin.

The 3 B’s

The words of James Allen and Arnold Bennett are so apt to describe the challenge of positive and lasting change in organizations or personal life. James Allen believed that we are anxious to enhance our circumstances, but are unwilling to improve them and thus, remain stagnant as a regular practice. We are bound in our desires to lose weight, increase our sleep or exercise, organize ourselves and business and improve varying aspects of our lives. It was Arnold Bennett who succinctly identifies “that any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.” No matter how we examine the difficulty of changing, the words of these iconic authors provide insight into the challenges we face before stepping into a new realm of achievements.

Knowing that we face a substantial obstacle even at an unconscious level, what should be the best approach to breaking these barriers and emerging as true achievers that we desire? We need change to make progress in every aspect of our lives. To grow personally or develop our business, we must change. In fact, our ability to maximize our organizational performance and productivity is dependent upon our capacity to change positively. If you are not learning, you are not growing, and learning only comes from the change in our level of knowledge. Even though we are aware of this at every level of our consciousness, we are restrained as Allen said by barriers.

1) Barriers to Change

There are several barriers to change and these immovable pillars stop people from achieving their dreams and realizing their goals. Psychologytoday.com identified four must-address obstacles, with the number one obstacle being the baggage that follows us from childhood. This baggage often manifests itself as, poor self-esteem, perfectionism, fear of failure, lack of self-control, etc. These barriers drive our behavior into a reactive or a defensive manner. Other obstacles identified arise from ingrained habits, negative emotional experiences and non-conducive environments.

In the same vein, positivityblog.com also identifies the major reasons people find it difficult to change. The first arises from mere inability to change. There could be reasons at the conscious and unconscious level people may be unwilling to change. Instances where an entrepreneur or business leader has the limited courage to take risks, and see the chances of making the business idea as slim. Additionally, the environment can be a significant barrier especially if it’s toxic or parasitic. If your environment is holding you back, create a plan to move on as quickly as possible. The desire to give up or quit a venture that isn’t advancing is another barrier. Ignorance or scarcity of knowledge to make the desired change is as grave as the desire to quit. Seek expert help so that you can make an informed decision to continue or abandon the venture, rather than leaving a trail of uncertain unfinished attempts.

2) Basis of Change

In most circumstances, there are those moments of change, those moments you tell yourself that you can’t continue the old way, those moments that a new wave of desire for new things, new position and status drives you into something more amazing and inspiring. While you may become inspired from motivational speeches and books, until that epiphany arrives, you still won’t take the first step. That real basis for change comes from the inner voice that stems from the soul is all you need for this change, but you must be listening.

As we challenge our inner voice, there are pillars to challenge from which change must stem. Our foremost pillar is our emotions. Emotions, depending on the intensity and direction can act as a great initiator or a destroyer for change. Change could come in the form of hope and inspiration or fear on the negative side. Emotion is a potent motivator for change and should be nurtured for a greater good. Courage is almost all you need to make the leap. You must have the courage to rise from the dungeon of the status quo. This is the willingness to break the old routine patterns of life. Courage should be backed by faith. This leap of faith revolves around the belief in yourself and the trust in your vision that it will lead you to the desired future. Additionally, your commitment to change and sustainment is necessary, or you can easily descend into a deeper dungeon than the one you have just successfully emerged.

3) Breakthroughs with Change

Change is not easy. But once the new success begins to visible, maintaining a breakthrough with a steady stream of change looks possible and enticing. There are many ways one can initiate a change. Fastcompany.com recommends getting personal and upping your communication game. Remember that with any change, people can become reluctant and want to know what’s in it for them, how the change will affect them and whether they will lose or win. Figure this out before the change is communicated so you are prepared. In organizational settings, lack of communication can sabotage the entire process of change. The receivers of the information need to understand the message on the individual basis because regardless of your intent, it is personal.

The American Psychological Association recommends starting small, but most importantly sticking with a plan. You could feel overwhelmed if you start executing all the plans all at once. Map out a guide in your journey of change and see it as an adventure rather than a burden. Progressing in small step that you will make visible to show progress is as important as the idea itself. Break the plan down into short, medium and long-term goals. Start with the immediate goal, proceed to the medium and then to the long-term goals. Seek the help of the experts and supporters who will be there to facilitate your journey to the new status. Be sure that you embrace delegation, trying to do everything on your own is a formula for failure. And finally, be transparent and hold yourself accountable, because if you don’t someone else will.

To close, in the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “you gain strength and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” Look your challenge in the face, and face your fears, ignite your passion, follow your dreams and nurture your future. The best time for change was yesterday, the next best time is today. Don’t let today become void of change as it become yesterday.

I hope you found this article helpful in understanding how to initiate change for yourself and for your organization. Discover additional Management and Leadership knowledge on our website www.MagnaLeadership.com and please “Like” our Facebook Business Page to get your daily Leadership tips at: https://www.facebook.com/MagnaLeadership/

If you have any comments, suggestions or ideas, we encourage you to share your thoughts with us and our readers in the comments below.

Thank you,

 Dr. Kevin Gazzara

Sources

https://www.positivityblog.com/6-reasons-why-people-dont-change/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-prime/200910/business-why-change-is-so-hard-and-how-make-it-easier

https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/lifestyle-changes.aspx