5 Critical Factors for Successful Change

Change is one of the few certainties in life.

Many of us want to change different things in our lives or about ourselves, but that is not the challenge.

The challenge (or issue) is we criticise and judge ourselves harshly for not making the change. And subsequently end up being in resistance with the present moment, which equates to suffering.

A few years ago, it dawned on me. I realised I had to change on the inside for the outside to change. It was a real lightbulb moment and I developed a deeper understanding of what Aldous Huxley meant when he said – “I wanted to change the world. But I have found that the only thing one can be sure of changing is oneself.”

If you are starting to think about making a change in your life, I hope the following critical factors for successful change can help.

 

5 Critical Factors for Successful Change

After working with many clients over the years to make changes in their lives, I have found there are a number of critical factors for successful change. Some of these critical factors include (in no particular order) –

1. Having A Clear Vision

When embarking on any change, it is important to have a clear vision. This is the starting point for transformational change and as Warren Bennis has been quoted as saying “Vision animates, inspires, transforms purpose into action.”

2. Client Readiness for Change

In order to change, there needs to be a readiness for change. Change readiness takes in to account emotional, social, environmental, physical and psychological of an individual.

3. Personal Accountability

In order to change, you have to commit to the change. In many ways the following quote by William H. Murray sums up personal accountability – “Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

4. Recognising Barriers to Change

When making a change, there will be times when it gets tough. Identifying and recognising your barriers to change can help support through the change process. Some barriers to change include self-doubt, beliefs and perceptions, self-sabotaging behaviours, lack of support, individual skills, lack of planning, time, money and fear.

5. Realising Change is a Process

Research has shown that change can be complex and sometimes doesn’t go according to plan or linearly. You can often take two steps forward and one step backwards, do a U-turn or even go backwards. Knowing the stages of change, before you are ready to make a change can help you with the change process and have greater success in the long-term.

In the book Changing for Good, Prochaska, Norcross and DiClemente share 6 Stages of Change. The six stages of change are –

  1. Pre-contemplation (“I can’t…”),
  2. Contemplation (“I may…”),
  3. Preparation (“I will…”),
  4. Action (“I am…”),
  5. Maintenance (“I am still…”), and
  6. Termination (“I have…”).

You can read more about the six stages of change here.

 

So how are you feeling? Maybe you are thinking that change takes work – well you are right! Rome wasn’t built in a day and changes don’t happen that fast either.

 

Over to You…

Are there any other critical factors for successful change that you would include? If so, what are they? Feel free to include your responses below!

 

If you are ready to reclaim your courage and take the next step towards freedom and living whole-heartedlywhy not join our Toolkit?

 

Reference –

Prochaska, J., Norcross, J., & DiClemente, C. (2010). Changing for Good: A Revolutionary Six-Stage Program for Overcoming Bad Habits and Moving Your Life Positively Forward. New York, USA: Harper Collins Publishers.

 

 

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