08
2008
Making Change That Matters
Happy New Year to everyone! This is the time of year that many of us vow to do things differently - take on new challenges…stop being so cranky, treat customers better, increase sales, etc. The list goes on. They call this making New Year’s resolutions – I know this is not news to you. Like many others, while having a glass of my favourite cabernet, I typically make my list each year and swear that it will be different this time! But, like many others, nothing happens as the months go by!
After some navel gazing, I decided that if I want to be better at what I do, I better start practicing what I preach! One way that we, at TriOpus Group, help our clients get better at what they do is to help them solicit feedback and turn that feedback into change…change that matters!
A couple of days ago, I refreshed myself on a few things that we coach our clients on…hoping to get myself geared up for the New Year. Here’s what I decided to focus my attention on to help me make some impactful changes this year.
1. Take a hard honest look at what I want to change. This isn’t always so easy! It’s like taking some truth serum and putting a mirror in front of my face. Yikes! I may see more than just a couple grey hairs (ok – truth be told…I’d see quite a few grey ones!). The truth may hurt some times, but I know it is invaluable.
2. Ask others for their opinion and input – get some objective feedback. Now, having said that, I admit (it’s that darn truth serum!) I have been guilty in the past of defending my position and/or rationalizing why I do things a certain way. I must refrain from doing that. I need to listen to what is being said and give thanks for the feedback I get. After all, they are making an effort to help me. Feedback is a gift.
3. Accept that changing behaviour means that I need to be open to change…and it may mean changing core beliefs I have. I know that change can be uncomfortable. They say it takes 21 days of doing things differently to make change stick. I think before that comes into play though, I must feel that I need to change and be 100% committed to it. Sounds simple…right?
4. Prioritize what I want to change. I know that for the best results I need to make good decisions on what changes will give the results I want. There are effective grids and other decision making processes that I could use. This year, to help me prioritize, I decided I’m going to ask myself this one question – ‘If I only did one or two things differently and really well, which ones would make the biggest difference to me and those around me?’.
5. Take action – one step at a time. I will be making a plan of action that will give me some quick wins up front (after all, we all like that sense of accomplishment!) and mix in a couple things that will take a longer duration to master.
I’m really excited about 2008. I can feel it in my bones that it is going to be a fantastic year! I know that if I want change in my life I need the necessary desire, strength and motivation (check, check, check..yup, it’s all there). I also know that by practicing what I preach I am more likely to have the gains that I want. So if you too want to make some positive changes in your life this year, these are a few things to be mindful of. Now…excuse me while I go take a hard honest look in the mirror (yikes…where is my hair colour??)!
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