5 Keys for Transformation

When the topic of personal or professional growth comes up, we are talking about transformation, whether to a small or large degree. It doesn’t have to be a radical change, either, because making any change to our habits and behaviors can be risky and uncomfortable.

Most of my coaching and mentoring clients are looking for some kind of transformation. Perhaps it involves a career or employment change, but often the transition is about adapting to a new role, replacing limiting behaviors and attitudes, or developing a strategy to take the next career step.

There are numerous resources out there to help us grow, but they are often ineffective because they over-complicate things or we don’t apply what we’ve learned long enough to see positive results. I’ve certainly struggled at times to move forward in a way I know is in my best interests.

Our brains are hard wired to resist change, which you know if you’ve ever tried to change the hand that holds your fork, or how you cross your arms. Because we operate on autopilot for many things we think and do, it takes time and conscious effort to form new habits and ways of thinking.

How do we make change easier? Here are some simple keys for transformation:

1.   Be Clear on What You Want

President George H. W. Bush lost a second term because of “the vision thing.” He didn’t have a clear vision for his administration or for the country, and Bill Clinton did, so he lost. If you are not clear on what it is you want, your mind does not have a clear target to aim at, and you are unlikely to get the help needed to accomplish the desired change. A clear target enables you to see what success looks like and trains your brain to reach it.

2.   Be Clear on Why You Want to Change

Change is easier when you are positively moving toward something instead of away from something negative. Change must be for something you strongly desire and believe in, not to please someone else or because you are driven by fear, guilt or shame. Negative emotions remind us of our limitations and what we are doing wrong and can keep us from ever starting. Activating positive feelings and emotions is much more effective than negative emotions or the mere knowledge of a need for change.

3.   Start Small and Be Consistent

Big changes can be overwhelming. The old saying about eating an elephant one bite at a time is applicable. Choose one significant change at a time and break it down into small, measurable steps that are easier to focus on. Remind yourself each day why you are changing, what exactly you want and the benefits you will realize from the change. These actions will provide inspiration and motivation to keep going despite any obstacles that come up.

4.   Develop a Plan and Measure Your Progress

Decide what needs to be done each day and establish a target date to provide clear guidance on what you are committing to. Start a journal and track your results to measure your progress and hold yourself accountable. What gets measured gets done. Regularly evaluate what is working, what is not and what can be improved upon.

5.   Have Fun and Celebrate Your Victories

Change is hard and entails some risk, but personal growth does not come by accident. It requires effort, so celebrate the milestones and benefits of the change you have made. When you focus on the positive outcomes it will condition your brain to look forward to personal growth and changes as something beneficial.

These steps can be applied on a personal level and in a family or business setting. Change is often not easy, but it is possible and enables us to live better, more fulfilling lives.

My mission as a coach is to help people unlock their potential and progress toward their dreams and desires. Identifying what you want to accomplish and creating a strategy to move forward is where I can help. Contact me for a complimentary call to see if I can be of service to you.

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Tad Douglas Coaching

www.taddouglas.com

tad@taddouglas.com

502-553-8119