Inhibitors to Change - Part 1

Is this how you feel about creating lasting positive change in yourself and in your behaviors?

I feel that way sometimes too...

Recently I started reading "Triggers" by Marshall Goldsmith. (I always love reading new books with different perspectives and ideas...). His book discusses how to create lasting behavioral change in your life. In Chapter 2, he lists 15 "Triggers That Stop Behavioral Change in Its Tracks". I believe that these triggers apply directly to creating change in how you prioritize and deliver value at work, which is what I'm all about in my coaching business! Over the next few posts, I'm going to share Marshall's 15 Triggers and provide my own perspective and commentary on them.

1. "If I understand, I will do".

This inherent belief assumes a direct connection between knowing what to do and actually doing it. The problem is that these two things are separate decisions. There are plenty of things that we know we should do, but we decide not to do them. We first must learn or comprehend what exactly we should do to change. Armed with that knowledge, we then have 2 choices - do it or don't do it. Do not assume that reading a new book or taking a new training course will alone lead to change - you must take intentional action on the knowledge you gain!

2. "I have the willpower and won't give in to temptation."

This belief is prideful in essence. You will give in to triggers that you are susceptible to, unless you have identified them clearly and have developed a plan of attack against them. If you're trying to stop eating sweets, WHY would you keep that temptation within reach? This is setting yourself up to fail. ​

​In the business world, let's say that you are trying to have more control over your daily schedule. You have identified that a certain colleague who is very persuasive and difficult to say no to is a major cause of derailing your priorities. Willpower alone will not enable you to change this - you must have a direct plan! Plan to have a discussion or to structure your day to avoid interactions with this colleague. Know your trigger and have a plan to deal with it.

3. "Today is a special day."

This one is a doozy and a very common excuse. If every day is a "special day", we fool ourselves into thinking that we can change tomorrow - yet tomorrow never comes. I do fully believe that we must give ourselves grace when attempting to change, and that some days are indeed special. However, if we don't hold ourselves accountable and have some sense of urgency in changing, we simply will never change.

4. "At least I'm better than..."

Competition is a great motivator for change (believe me, I'm a very competitive person), but comparison can also go the other way - It can be used as an excuse for stagnancy and passivity. There will always be someone who is better than you or worse than you at certain things - especially at work. Achieve the right and healthy balance in comparison - the balance that motivates you to change but doesn't lead to a pity party.

5. "I shouldn't need help and structure."

This one is also rooted in pride. Some people think they are too good for change. You are never too good for change!! I also see people believe that structure and simplicity are for those who are "less able". They thrive on complexity and being the hero who saves the day in the midst of chaos. Because of that, they want to keep chaos going. Businesses get into trouble in this sort of a culture - It creates endless waste. Structure and simplicity are not for the weak - they are for the smart.

© 2017 by The Process Maven