If you’re in the middle of a big shift, we encourage you to set aside some time to think through the following questions:
- What changes have you made? Make a list of all the changes you’ve instigated over the last few months—that is, the ones you had some control over. Whether they’re big or small, personal or professional, practical or emotional…add them to the list. (Whew—no wonder you’re tired.) Are there any patterns in the types of changes you’ve made?
- How have you made those changes? How did they unfold? Think about the changes that went even better than you hoped for, and those that, well, didn’t. (You might find it helpful to review our change journey to examine the relationship between your behavior and the emotional journey of change.) What was behind these outcomes? Then, take a moment to evaluate your mindset about certain types of changes: which changes did you approach in a fixed, rather than growth, mindset? Be honest.
- How did you engage others in your changes? Who were your champions? Your co-pilots? What did you learn from the skeptics around you? Looking ahead, where is your network strong, and where are the gaps?
- What significant change did you think about making that you didn’t do? What perspective do you hold now? Is there anything that would be different if you found yourself in the same situation today?
- What change do you want to make going forward? Why? Why now? What does the ideal future state look like? Think about how you might explain or share it so that others understand and build on it.
- What might be your first steps in planning change? Finally, think through what conditions (e.g., moral support, resources, skills, agency, psychological safety) you need to make those first steps. For extra credit, review the steps needed to change a habit.
