Change? We Want It and Hate It

Change.   We desire it.    We loathe it.

How many times have you been in conversations like this:

• "I really wish that we didn't have to do it this way."
• "It would be so much better if it was organized like this."
• "I could be more productive if we could streamline these issues."
• "I really wish he/she would. . . (fill in the blank)."

These are all expressions of desire for change; yet, we are resistant to change.

I expect that the reasons for this resistance are many, but here are some key ones.

• Really, we want everyone else to change;  we don't want to change ourselves.
• We don't want to be victimized by change;    we don't want something inflicted upon us.
• When it comes right down to it, our desire for a different way of doing things conflicts with the current comfort level;     however undesirable the current situation may be, we find it easier to accept that  vs. accepting the unknown.

Change is, in fact, a major opportunity and  if we don't welcome it, we are failing to leverage a tremendous asset.   It is often an opportunity to make things better;   that mindset, however, requires that we change the way we perceive. . .change.

The easiest way to change things for the better is for you to change.   The most power you have is over yourself.   Change the way you approach a situation.  Change the way you interact with a colleague or direct report.     Change and edit your workload so that it is more satisfying.  No one - not even your boss, has as much power as you do.

Be proactive to exterior change.   Often we allow change that comes from the outside to victimize us.   Turn the model around;  be proactive.    Have a system for how to anticipate change and how to deal with it.   Be determined to use change from the outside to create a better team and system on the inside.

Changes requires a difference in the way we interact with each other and the world around us.    When you think about it - the dynamic between individuals is constantly shifting.  Be aware of this and welcome it.  Proactively look at which relationships aren't fulfilling and change the dynamics.   Don't be content with relationships that are merely okay,  but nourish them to a higher standard of excellence.

Change - at our core - we all want it.   We just need to embrace it.

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Brent Frerichs is the author of "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders"  available on Amazon Kindle for e-readers, PCs, tablets and Apple Products.  If you are part of Amazon Prime, you can now borrow this book for free!