The rules have changed. In fact, just about everything has changed. More importantly, everything is going to continue to change and at an accelerated rate. That’s why it’s important for us to examine our perspective about change overall and see where we’re at on this new changescape.
Where would you rank yourself in this progression:
Level 1: ____I fear change.
Level 2: ____I tolerate change.
Level 3: ____I welcome change.
Level 4: ____I create change.
To be successful today, we must be creators. That means that innovation is a integral part of how we approach everything. That includes not only WHAT we do, but also HOW we do it. Let’s start by replacing the word change in our minds with the word growth or progress.
If this is a challenge for you, you may be wondering why are some so adept at change while others struggle. Why do some people really win as creators while some of us are always hearing something and saying we could have done that? It’s because sometimes we confuse creative thought with innovative action. While creativity is part of the process, it is not what makes us a creator. That requires us to act on our ideas. We can think of many new things and ways to do things. It is only innovation when we apply that creativity to what or how something happens.
Those ideas can spark from seeing a problem and coming up with a solution or it can be the result of simply seeing a better way to do something already being done. Think about yourself and the use of technology. Isn’t it easier to adopt new technologies that make it simpler to do something you are already doing? If we can anticipate need, create innovative answers, and develop an intuitive application we will bring significant value to all key audiences. Then we are truly creators. Think of five things you do today that you do differently than you did a year ago. Did you fight that change? Can you even imagine going back to the “old” way of doing things now?
We can all begin to transform ourselves into level 4 creators on the changescape scale just by finding one thing that we can improve through change. Remember – not necessarily changing what we do, changing how we do it. Then before we know it, we will be inspired to deepen that change and do more.
One more thought on change. Sometimes change is as much about stopping as it is starting. Be open about how to view what generates change. In most cases, a small adjustment can deliver a significant difference.
These 3 questions are a great starting point:
What one thing could you STOP right now that would bring about change?
What one thing could you START right now that would bring about change?
What one thing could you DO DIFFERENTLY right now that would bring about change?
Select a specific area of your life where you would like to achieve a greater sense of satisfaction and significance and begin there. Choose one question and get started today! Put yourself in the lead on your own changescape. Become the creator you were meant to be.
Thoughtful remarks about change (think growth!)….
“There’s a way to do it better –find it.” (Thomas Edison)
“It’s easy to come up with new ideas; the hard part is letting go of what worked for you two years ago but will soon be out of date.” (Roger von Oech)
“Do something everyday that scares you.” (Eleanor Roosevelt)
About Kathi Laughman
Powerful! I’m a three with a hint of four!
Great post. That quote from Eleanor makes me think about what I could be doing to step outside my comfort zone more. Maybe I will this week!