“Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be — because you only have one life and one chance to do all the things that you want to do.”
James Kotter a change expert provides eight steps for organizational change, see if they work on an individual level as well.
1. Create a sense of urgency. (Now is the time)
2. Form a powerful coalition. (As an individual speak with others about your own personal desire for change, or work with a coach to increase the energy around making a change)
3. Create a vision (What is it that you really want? Create a picture of what change you desire to make).
4. Communicate your vision (Share your vision with others, keep building up the story, believe in the vision).
5. Find out what is stopping you. (If change were easy people wouldn’t be following the crowd. Find out what is blocking you from stepping out and taking positive action).
6. Stair step the process. (Start small, and win small wins. Then with confidence of success with you start building up on the small wins and creating more significant goals. Celebrate success)
7. Build on the momentum. (Once good success deserves another)
8. Make it stick. (Habits are hard to change … make it positive, make it fun and make it happen … if things slide back go back to the small wins and build up again. Keep on the positive side).
“Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.”
Chinese Proverb