Understanding the process of change
Let’s talk change….
In order to be successful and LIVE LIFE FULLY (aka flourish), at some point, we need to implement change into our lives in one or more areas.
Understanding change, our resistance to it, and potential pitfalls are important so we can improve our chances of success.
Researchers have been studying change at a personal and organizational level for decades.
Know your brain and use it to your advantage. Habit formation is well researched (see blog post on Habits). We can use habit hacks to get our brains to create the habits we WANT to have.
Pick one thing at a time to change. Keep it simple. And then add on. Focus helps us in moving through the challenge points that will come and it doesn’t overwhelm our systems.
Be clear about what the change is, its benefit to you
Think longer term for the outcome so you set realistic expectations and don't sabotage yourself before you start. Patience.
Create a compelling WHY story. Why are you making the change and how will it help improve your life?
Be aware of your mind tricks. We all have mental programming (some may call it the ego) that likes the familiar, comfortable status quo. It will do and say these things to keep you from begin successfully. It is your inner saboteur. Get to know it - it's subtle and sneaky. The better you know it the more you can plan for it and circumvent any efforts.
Be prepared for setbacks and have a plan for recommitting and course correcting. This is part of the process and where MINDSET and SUPPORT play a key role.
Have a plan. WOOP it up. WOOP is from Gabriele Oettingen's research on motivation. A simple but powerful practice. Wish - Outcome - Obstacle - Plan. This practice starts with the end and assumes there will be obstacles (within you) on your path so before you even begin you think about how you will get around them.
Change how you THINK about effort. Effort is a wonderful thing that helps us with proper dopamine support not the quick fixes that we have become so accustomed to with social media.
Gather support - friends and family doing the change together, joining a support group or a coaching program, especially a group one, where there is support and accountability. Humans usually do better when we share it with others and are accountable to another person for our actions.
