Making Change Stick

MAKING CHANGE STICK— 5 Systems You Need To Succeed
© 2004 by Shawn Driscoll, Succeed Coaching and Development www.succeedcoaching.com

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“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
--Aristotle
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These days, nearly everyone I meet is trying to change something about their lives…be it to lose weight, quit smoking, have more fun, exercise more, get a new job or be promoted in the job they have. Yet, most people end up struggling to fully achieve their goals. They become discouraged, distracted, and eventually, defeated enough to set the goal aside.

Making change is hard. But, it is nearly impossible to see through, especially over the long-term, without building an environment to support the change. In my work with large organizational teams, I recommend that leaders take the time to set the change up in a way that makes it nearly impossible for people NOT to change. The same is true for individuals. We must create five key support systems for ourselves so that making change becomes nearly effortless. So, if you are ready, here they are:

1.Have a vision…not just a goal
2.Get a Sponsor
3.Create Time and Energy Reserves
4.Connect with 3 peers
5.Get some quick wins

HAVE A VISION…NOT JUST A GOAL
The single biggest mistake I see people make is that they set a goal, such as “I want to lose 15 pounds by July 4th”. Great, but it isn’t very compelling. The key is to have a VISION that is specific and compelling enough to draw you forward. Lose 15 pounds—fine. But WHY do you want to lose it? How will it feel? How will you look? What will you be like if you lose it? Write a specific and compelling vision for yourself and the goal becomes secondary.

GET A SPONSOR
Sure, you can do it yourself. But, you’ll likely let yourself down many times before you succeed. Why bother? You need at least one person who can hold you accountable and push you further than you would push yourself. A good sponsor will ask you to raise your standards, double your output. Can you be that for yourself? Probably not. So find a coach, mentor, trainer or leader who can.

CREATE TIME AND ENERGY RESERVES
If your serious about this then it’s time to clear the decks. Making change is hard and requires a lot of our attention and energy. Don’t add this change onto an already full plate. You’ll simply frustrate yourself and fail to achieve your goal. This isn’t about pushing yourself harder. It’s about working smarter. Stop doing things that eat up your time and drain your energy. You know, those things you agree to but dread doing. Just stop. Start saying NO. Cross things off your to do list (simply decide not to do them). Don’t take on any other new commitments. Make this first, not last. Really.

CONNECT WITH 3 PEERS
Collaborate and commiserate with others working on a similar goal. Set up regular systems to check in with each other (notice I didn’t say check “on”—that’s why you have a sponsor). These people are your support system. Use meetings, workouts, instant messaging, phone calls, etc…to talk about how you are feeling, get some cheerleading, share wisdom, and have some fun.

CELEBRATE SOME QUICK WINS
Set up some short term, achievable milestones early on. We all need to see progress quickly or we start to lose focus. Wins build momentum and energize us. Break your larger goal down into simple, short, achievable milestones so you can see progress within days, not weeks or months. Then celebrate your victories! Make it rewarding, but not in conflict with your goal. For example, if you are taking care of your body and trying to lose weight, don’t reward yourself with a big cake that immediately (at least in your mind) undoes the accomplishment. Instead pamper yourself with a pedicure or a quiet hour in a favorite spot.

Taking the time to put the right systems in place will pay off in the end. Don’t go it alone. Succeeding is not just about working harder and being committed. Being committed means you are willing to do what is necessary to ensure your success. If you’re ready to make change stick, start with the 3-2-1 action strategies that follow.

3-2-1 ACTION!

So, you know what you want to achieve and now you know what you have to do to succeed. So, let’s get busy….

Write down the names of 3 people who would support you in achieving your personal vision. Ask them to work with you starting today.

Set up 2 milestones for this week and make a note on how you will celebrate if you achieve them. Perhaps one milestone is writing your vision down and posting it. Maybe the other is getting at least 2 time and energy drains off your schedule.

Find 1 person to be your Sponsor. Be sure to discuss with them the best way they can support you in achieving your personal vision.

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ARE YOU READY TO SUCCEED ON YOUR OWN TERMS?
For more information on Coaching and Development programs through SUCCEED Coaching and Development, contact Shawn Driscoll at 248 321-8390 or email Shawn@succeedcoaching.com

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This article is provided courtesy of Shawn Driscoll, Career and Business Coach. If you are ready to succeed, on your own terms, contact shawn@succeedcoaching.com or visit www.succeedcoaching.com.