I bet you’ve at least once in your life felt the need to change something, only to find that although the theory sounded great, you actually weren’t quite there yet. Not quite ready to let go and embark on a new adventure. And then at some point, something tipped the balance, and off you went.
I’d been thinking for a few years about doing my own thing, dreaming about working for myself and spending my working days doing what I wanted to do, but the advantages of corporate life seemed to outweigh the advantages of self-employment. During the past year of my corporate life however, I became really disillusioned with my job, but it was not until I picked up a book that showed me an alternative way of living my life that I actually handed in my notice. I had finally overcome my own resistance to changing my life.
Resistance comes in many shapes and forms – fear, defensiveness, avoidance, excuses and so on. There are lots of reasons why we might be reluctant to change, but we often don’t fully realise why or have a plan to help us through the transition process.
I am a big fan of the change equation. The change equation can really help you think through where you are in your transition process today, and where you might want to focus your energy. It looks more complicated than it is – so I won’t share that with you until I’ve explained!
Essentially it says that to tip the balance to overcome our own resistance to change, we need to be dissatisfied with the status quo, have a vision of a positive future state, and take some first steps in the direction of the vision. As you can see, quite a lot has to happen before you are ready to quit the old, and embrace the new!
Use the questions below to start unravelling your personal situation and decide how best to move ahead.
* Dissatisfaction with status quo: Becoming aware of what is not working for you in your current situation will help mobilise your internal resources to push for change. When it becomes unacceptable to remain in the current situation, you will find more energy to work through the change.
Ask yourself: How unhappy are you with the current situation? What are the risks of continuing what you are doing today? What elements of the situation today are you most dissatisfied with?
* Positive Vision of the Future: Painting a realistic picture of a more positive future as well as allowing yourself to dream will give you something to work towards and to remind you why it is worth putting in the effort.
Ask yourself: If you change your situation, where could you be one month, one year, 5 years from now? What would your ideal future look like – what would you do differently? What are the advantages of changing what you are doing today?
* First steps: Until you get going you won’t believe that it is really possible. Even by taking baby steps you can get closer to your goal, and with every step you take, you will gain the confidence to take another step… and before you know it, your own resistance to change will have melted away!
Ask yourself: What are the first 3 goals you can set yourself? Who can help you change (there is no need to do it all alone)? What will you do, and when, in order to start moving in the right direction? How can your strengths and talents help you with your first few steps?
Once these three elements weigh more heavily than your reluctance to change, great things will begin to happen…. as I found out myself! So which one of the three will you think about today?
Oh, and here is the formula to pin on your fridge as a daily reminder 🙂
Have a great week!
Sarah
