See-Feel-Change vs Analyze-Think- Change

On Change Part 1

Most people think that change happens by people analyzing a problem, then thinking how to solve it, and this will lead to change. But change researchers John Kotter and Dan Cohen who wrote The Heart of Change, say that's not how it happens. Instead, change is more commonly achieved through a See-Feel-Change sequence.

First, you see something - either a stark look at a problem (think hitting "rock bottom") or a glimmer of a solution (Wow, I could do that, too!). It hits you on an emotional level- and creates the energy to overcome inertia and move into action. When I coach people on setting goals, I pay much more attention to why people want to change. "So you want to lose weight? Most of us do, so what is it that makes it emotionally important to you now?"

Think about it- feeling and imagining yourself playing catch with your kid is much more motivating than wanting to hit a number on the scale. It can't just be a "should"- "I should eat healthier, I should exercise more,"- that's our analytical brain talking and for most change issues, that's just not enough. So for those of you out there who are toying with some new commitments for the year, I invite you to stop thinking about the change you want to make and start feeling about it more.

To support you in a See-Feel-Change approach to goals, please consider the following questions:

• What is a goal you have for yourself now?
• What makes this goal important to you now?
• What would be different in your life as a result of accomplishing this goal?
• How would you feel if this goal were reached? How would it positively impact your identity?  Please describe it as vividly as possible- down to the details. Feel it. Experience it.
•  What is your next action based on this reflection? (and that may include ditching the goal because you realize that you're not really passionate about it).

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to make change at work, at home and in our communities. The authors share an approach to how change works, and why it sometimes doesn't work, based on the latest (really interesting) research on human behavior. They tell fascinating stories as a way to explain their process for change, and get the message across in a compelling way.  I read it over Christmas break in just two evenings, and couldn't put it down.  Five stars!