Change – The Process And 4 Essentials

Change is an integral part of our life. Our physical body undergoes change every day, our cells undergoes change and the very process of growing up from the time we are born to where we are today is Change. The environment around us is changing all the time. Some changes are within our control and yet others not so. There are yet other changes which we need to make consciously – the ability to be present and move between reflection and action. It is our ability to establish and maintain the appropriate attitudes and behaviors in both our professional and personal lives, that are conducive to goal setting, achievement and constructive feedback.

To quote Tim Gallwey – “In every human endeavor there are two arenas of engagement: the outer and the inner. The outer game is played on an external arena to overcome external obstacles to reach an external goal. The inner game takes place within the mind of the player and is played against such obstacles as fear, self-doubt, lapses in focus, and limiting concepts or assumptions. The inner game is played to overcome the self-imposed obstacles that prevent an individual or team from accessing their full potential.”

In simple terms the game can be summarized in a formula: Performance = potential-interference, P=p-i. According to this formula, performance can be enhanced either by growing “p” potential or by decreasing “i,” interference.”

What is involved in the process of change

A Reason to change; A Desire to change; A Commitment to change; A Way to change; The Support for change

If your change goal was to lose weight, the reason to lose weight might be health reasons, desire is to feel and look healthy and lead your life more effectively, Commitment comes from a reward – reward in losing weight for you might be to participate in a triathlon which you have been putting off due to health issues, a way to would be to improve your fitness regime and restructure your dietary habits. The support system may be your dietician, your partner or friend, your family, your trainer and or coach.

The same logic applies with changes within an organization. Sustained changes can only be had if you have a strong conviction and there is synergy at every stage of the change process.

What are essentials to change

1. Action –  Are you an action taker. Success is linked to translating dreams into actions to push ourselves over the edge and grow to our full potential.  Taking action is a matter of choice.

2. Social Circle – Are your friends, colleagues, acquaintances, your managers, your boss support  you in the goal ? Are they encouraging you, challenging you to grow to where you want to be.

3. Mindset – Positive frame of mind and trust and belief in yourself.  You need to believe that you will meet with success.  The inner conviction is of utmost importance.

4. Doing – thinking instead of doing does not get you anywhere. Procrastination and lack of willingness or being lazy does not promote action. Willingness to translate a commitment to action is essential.

A Coach can help you when you have the high want to and high can do or you have the low want to but high can do on the skills/will matrix.  Coaching is a structured conversation between a Coach and a Coaching Counterpart, with a measurable outcome.

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