What are you looking to change or improve?
We have found, when affecting the desired and lasting change you are looking for, that there are six stages that you must master.
- Awareness – This is the first stage, where you recognize that something needs to change. It often stems from disappointment, frustration, or setbacks. It can also come from observation of other people’s successes and breakthroughs and discovering what can be possible. This stage is about getting crystal clear on what you want and understanding that change must happen to realize your goal.
- Attitude, angle, or approach – We may not always have control of the situation in which we find ourselves. However, we always have the power to choose the healthiest perspective from which to operate. Choose wisely.
- Anticipate obstacles, threats, and dangers – Some of these will be out in the world. i.e., the market, the company, or the political or economic landscape. Almost 99% of what will get in your way is what’s between your ears. Mindset dictates the success, or failure, of achieving a desired change. Get clear on how you will deal with what may lie ahead.
- Action is the key – You can’t navigate a parked car. Trust your internal GPS and get moving. Trust that you will get feedback, both positive and constructive, along the way. Without action not much gets done.
- Accountability – keeps us engaged and provides leverage for the change we want. This is twofold. One way to think of accountability is as self-efficacy, which means we feel we can count on ourselves to do what we commit to doing for ourselves. Another way is to make a commitment to others. Do they feel they can count on us to get it done? This is about making and keeping agreements and commitments.
- Analysis & Adjustment – is simply regular checkpoints of noticing what’s working and what needs adjustment. Evaluate what elements within you and around you are contributing to your success. Also identify the elements of your life that may be inhibiting, or contaminating, your success. Find ways to limit, eliminate, or delegate what is not serving you and locking in what is working for you.
Another important ‘A’ that is weaved throughout the six others is Acknowledgment. Celebrate and calibrate your progress along the way to affecting the change you desire.