Rolling with the Wheel of Change

When we talk about change, we often hear this popular quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

What do you think? Is it true? It sounds like I need to make the change first before others can change, doesn’t it?

The famous Russian author, Leo Tolstoy, also said, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”

This quote refers to a common attitude that people have. Everyone has got an opinion about what’s wrong with the world, but not many will work on improving themselves.

It is so easy to notice what’s wrong in the world, but in reality, sometimes, there’s not much we can do about it.

Change Starts with Me

Photo credit: Emmanuel Martin @Unsplash

Have you ever felt frustrated or angry about circumstances beyond your control? We may spend a lot of energy trying to control or to change the situation outside so that it is closer to our expectations.

But, it is really not possible to control everything. We may end up feeling more frustrated, stressed out or disappointed with the results.

It is actually better to take ownership for the changes we are going through.

By shifting your inner state and perception about external change, you can make Change an easier and smoother transition where you reconcile your expectations between the external world and your inner reality.

It makes sense to work on yourself so that external conditions don't affect you as much. This way, you can gain more peace and contentment about the changes that are happening.

So, how do you kickoff the Change that starts with me? Let’s begin with a Triangle, followed by a Wheel of Change.

The Triangle of Change

A triangle has 3 tips and 3 sides.

Change starts with Awareness, which sits at the top of the Triangle of Change. Once we become aware, it leads to making a Choice for our next step. Choice is the second tip of the triangle.

After the Choice has sunk in, we can move towards taking Ownership for the Change. Ownership is the third tip of the Triangle of Change.

Taking Ownership of Change requires that we put the Wheel of Change into motion and get it rolling.

When we embark on a Change project or a Change plan, the Wheel of Change is the 3-part formula that helps us shift our perspective and embrace change by taking Ownership, instead of resisting Change.

The Wheel of Change

The Wheel of Change is supported by 3 important spokes. It involves our Head (Thinking), Heart (Feeling) and Body (Acting).

First, let us acknowledge that Change comes with Feelings. When we perceive Change as something being forced or imposed upon us, then negative thoughts about it come up, causing stress and frustration.

It is very different when we start to Own the Change and lead Change from within. How? By labelling the Change as “My Change,” which is something we personally wish for and hope to achieve. Owning the Change creates positive feelings that move us towards My Change.

The next part of the Wheel of Change is the Thinking process. It requires some pondering about the Impact and Logic of Change.

Impact: What would happen if you increase your Ownership towards the Change?

Logic: Why do you want to increase your Ownership for this Change?

Once you have answered these questions, you realise the importance and value of how the Change could affect you. This strengthens your Ownership of My Change and helps you to get even closer to it.

The last spoke of the Wheel of Change is our Body which puts My Change into Action. It is assisted by 4 useful tools which are Small, Routine, Social Support and Fun.

Initiating Small and Routine actions are the first steps towards My Change.

For example, I want to drink a glass of water the moment I wake up in the morning. This is a small and routine action which gets me closer to my healthy goal.

Next is to set up a Social Support for My Change. It could be anybody, perhaps your personal group of friends, work teammates or a support group. The more you talk about the Change, the more you take Ownership over it. It is one of the tools which increases the Ownership of My Change.

It is also important to add Fun to your action! If the Change process is not fun, it may become dull, boring or heavy. After a while, it might bring you down because you don’t feel good anymore. Fun can be in the form of a gold-star habit tracker or a reward once you’ve achieved your goal.

Initiating My Change could be a big project. It is meaningful to add in little Celebrations for all your milestones so that you have something to look forward to.

The Wheel of Change guides you how to Lead Change by starting with the Feelings, Thinking and then Actions which are propped up by Small, Routine, Social Support and Fun.

Just take the first step, and the rest will follow.

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Keen to explore how you might start your change, for yourself as a leader, or, for your company? Connect with me at http://wa.me/+60193142188 or email koolily@mq.com.my

For more insights on #LeadChangeHEARTWay, connect with me on other social media’s platforms, https://linktr.ee/koolily