Attitudes Toward Change

Did you ever wonder about the process of making changes? Or put another way, what motivates some to make changes while others avoid change at all costs?

Most consultants, advisors, coaches and psychologists drill down to a single word: Attitude. We see the word, hear the word and even act out the word and yet do we really attempt to improve our attitude first - or do we instead attempt to move mountains with a frown on our face?

Review these points adapted from, ‘Taking the Fear Out of Changing’, by psychologist Dennis O'Grady:

1.) The hardest thing to change is a hardening of attitudes; nothing kills change faster than attitudes that resist it.

2.) Failures stem from two sets of words: "I can't" and "Yes, but..."

3.) Those adept at change don't reject good advice just to prove they aren't being controlled by those who give it.

4.) Complaining is good, if it isn't a substitute for action - unfortunately it often is.

5.) High self-esteem results from making small positive changes in spite of fear. Confidence comes from conquering fear of change.

6.) Unexpected pain can result from either huge set-backs or successes.

7.) Change artists analyze how fear of success can stop them from changing. They also know success does not magically bestow happiness.

8.) Fear of commitment to goals can make one stop short of setting appropriate goals. Commitment forces an answer to a tough question: "What do I really want?"

9.) Choices and options are all open. One can make new choices anytime.

10.) Giving positive strokes to one's self is as important as giving them to others. But self-criticism is easier than self-stroking.

11.) Balancing pleasing one's self with pleasing others is often difficult.


So...What's your Attitude?