As an astute learner in human behaviour I have always been fascinated by what creates change and what prevents it. After having worked as a coach for the last 6 years supporting individuals and orgs to create change, I am implicitly confident that the biggest changes come from within to begin.
We can have the best strategies and plans, but if we don’t believe it’s possible or we don’t truly buy into it, it will be a long and arduous road. (Just think of the last time you went on a diet!)
So what then creates change? There is no straightforward answer to this question, however, one of the most significant factors I have witnessed in my own life and in the lives of my clients is that change is created on an identity level.
Whoever we believe we are, we will act in accordance with that. If I believe I am hard working and ambitious, I will value and prioritise work.
So what if how we view ourselves is not in accordance with what we want?
Change can happen on different levels of awareness. The first level is an intellectual understanding - We know what we need to do but we don’t always do it. This is why smokers smoke. They know it’s bad for them but they continue to smoke.
In order to effect behavioural change you need to connect on an emotional level. For example the smoker that has a health scare and they become fearful for their quality of life and health can decide to stop smoking, however, this change can sometimes have a shorter shelf life.
To create a deep and sustainable change it needs to happen on an identity level. The way you consistently view yourself will determine your action and therefore results. Someone who views and identifies themselves as a runner will put time and effort into running. However, wanting to be a runner and seeing yourself as a runner are different things. The former requires willpower which is limited and when your resources are low it will not be sustained, the latter you already view yourself as being there.
If you are struggling to create change, maybe you know what to do, but you are still not following through. You need to change how you view yourself.
For anyone interested in creating change on a deep and exponential level please contact me for a complimentary session to see if we might be a good fit to work together. I have a workshop on Friday 29th of April 1pm BST on taking your first steps to create change. Pls email me at kim@kimberley-coaching.com to be able to join.
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