Inhibitors to Change - Part 2

Today we continue our discussion on Marshall Goldsmith's 15 inhibitors to change, from his book "Triggers".

6. "I won't get tired and my enthusiasm will not fade."

This one is for the endlessly optimistic among us. We think we can accomplish more than we actually can, so we don't plan our days well. Are you habitually late to appointments or on deadlines? Perhaps it is because you are overly optimistic about how much time it will actually take you to do things. Your optimism is actually disrespectful of others, because the resulting tardiness steals time from other's day and plans. This may sound harsh, but it is true. Make realistic plans. If you wonder what realistic is, collect data on how long things have taken you or others historically, and base your plan on that. Always always use facts whenever possible, not assumptions.

7. "I have all the time in the world."

Again, for the overly optimistic among us or the chronic procrastinators who think time will never run out. Do not allow yourself to buy into this sort of thinking. Time is a finite resource and should be carefully allocated. The most probable successes come with realistic and careful planning.

8. "I won't get distracted and nothing unexpected will occur."

Have you ever heard of Murphy's Law? "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong." Here's a fun fact for you: Mathematically, the odds of at least one low probability event will happen are high. This, my friend, is why we always plan for contingencies. For help on building timelines (including contingencies) - check out my blog post on it.

9. "An epiphany will suddenly change my life."

Must we wait for the exotic life circumstance to motivate us to change? Must we wait to hit the wall or rock bottom? Do yourself a favor, and don't wait until you have destroyed your career before you change. Be wise at identifying potential risks to your success, and change them before they get out of control. Think of this like a snowball. Would you rather stop it at the top of the hill while it is small and has low momentum? Or would you rather stop it at the bottom of the hill when it has grown in diameter with huge momentum? I know what I'd choose...

10. "My change will be permanent and I will never have to worry again."

If we are successful in change, we often get complacent. We pat ourselves on the back and forget about our past errors or temptations, thinking they will never raise their ugly heads again. The wise person is aware of their weaknesses, develops new habits that counteract those weaknesses, and consistently stays vigilant for ways those weaknesses may develop anew.

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