By Brenda Smith

Successful Change for A Change

Change is easy...Transitions are hard. Think
of how many times you've tried to make a change
and how many times you've been successful...So
often, resistance turns us back to our old ways.
This time, even though it might be a bit uncomfortable
or unfamiliar, welcome resistance as feedback, telling
you that you're changing the status quo--Here are the
three steps to successful change:

STEP ONE -- Starting something new is not the first step.
It's the third. Before we can begin something, we must
lose something--that is, we need to first stop and let go
of what no longer works. This may be the most difficult
part of the change process because it is uncomfortable to
feel the loss of something familiar. Self-management and
facing regret is probably the most critical step in making
change work. Ask yourself, "What is it you're holding on
to that won't allow you to move forward?"

STEP 2-- Be prepared because you have entered a naked wasteland
where you are no longer what you were, and not yet what you
will be. You have stepped into the unknown (for a brief time)
and there may be some feelings of inadequacy while you build
new skill. The greatest challenge at this point is to manage
negative self-talk--a tendency we all have to be self-critical
and judgmental--and replace the negative with the positives.
Here, you'll want to ask "What can I do to cope with the short
term discomfort of this uncertainty?"

STEP 3 -- Practice the new behavior. Here's where we can learn
from our children. Watch a child do something new -- they practice
over and over and over until the skill is mastered. Unlike children,
though, our mature minds remind us of all the reasons why it won't work.
Adopting the "open-mindedness" of a child, we'll want to immerse ourselves
in continual, positive reinforcement that will keep us going.

Peoplesmith specializes in professional effectiveness coaching for profound
results with emotional intelligence, change and transition and personal leadership.
Permission granted to change title.For more support in transitions, call us at
412-362-2622 for contact coaching.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
PeopleSmith specializes in professional effectiveness coaching for
profound results with emotional intelligence, change and transition
and personal leadership. Permission granted to change title. Find
out how peoplesmith can help you achieve profound results in your
personal and professional life; visit us at http://www.peoplesmith.org
or call us for a complementary coaching session 412-362-2622.

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