How to Initiate Change

We all find ourselves at one time or the other tired of the old ways of doing things, and in situations like that we start yearning for change. But one thing about people is that, due to their desire for safety, they would not take risk. Change however at the initial stage is associated with risk. One sincerely asks himself whether the new thing to be done will not lead to some undesired consequences. If that is so then it will be better to continue with the old way of doing things done opt for a new one.

The one who walks to wherever he goes for the most part of his life will not be willing to travel by car, unless he is convince that travelling by car will take him safer and quicker to his destination. When automobiles were first introduced, they were said to be too dangerous to be moved among people. But today no one can overemphasize the importance of cars. It must be noted that the change from horses to cars was not sudden but was a whole process. There are certain steps to follow to bring change successfully.

Talk About the Change

It must be clear that if we want to change something, we must start by talking about it. What gets talked about gets done, so goes the saying. We must present the change we are looking for in a very convincing way so that people come to appreciate it. Initially there is bound to be resistant. This does not mean failure. Those who resist first will become the greatest advocates later. We must cease every opportunity to talk about it until people are ready to give it a try. We must find the good reasons for the change we advocate and present them with passion. People are convinced not only by reason, but also by the confidence of the one talking to them.

Win Allies

As we talk, we must note those who agree with us and use them. They will also bring on board their own perspectives. They find reasons that we are not even aware of. We cannot convince everybody alone. Allies have different appeals; they will in turn win more allies who will also win allies. Time is the only thing needed here.

Live Your Change

We must not wait until everyone is convinced before we start practicing the new way. We must start on our own. In this case passion is still needed. People rush for new styles of clothes because someone advertises them passionately. What people think of as unusual then becomes acceptable, then common, then it because the standard. People want to identify with what we do, not what we say. If you say eating vegetables are good and you eat cookies all the time, no one will believe you. If you eat vegetables with a frown, no one will believe you. But if you eat it with a smile, they see you enjoying it, so they want to feel some of your pleasure.

Practice Inclusive Language

We must not present change as if it is only others who need it and not us. Instead of saying “you must change” let’s say “we must change”. In that case you are seen as a leader and not a commander. When there is any success, we must be careful to present it as the doing of us all. People want to identify with success. But if we take all the credit, they may decide not to follow anymore and that will mean our failure.

Change is the only permanent thing in life and those who bring it about are remembered for a long time. Let’s change our world.