“A body in motion, stays in motion. A body at rest, stays at rest.”
This is one of my favorite sayings because it’s so true on so many levels. It’s typically used in the context of physical activity. I’m a huge proponent of an active lifestyle as I’ve seen how it can impact one’s quality of life…particularly as we age.
However, I’m reflecting on this saying as it relates to how we each deal with change. Any type of change – at work, in relationships, in daily routines … IN LIFE!
To me, “motion” suggests change. Going from point A to point B. When we are in motion, the scenery changes. People, places and things are shifting.
The status quo is stagnant. When we are “in a rut,” we aren’t moving and experiencing the new and different.
December is a season where many reflect on the year that has passed and think about what changes we want to make for the new year. So, are you ready and willing to make some changes? What is your change barometer?
If change is hard for you, here are some thoughts about how you can build those change muscles:
- Start to make small changes in your daily routine and mix up that muscle memory. You can do things like: take a different route to work; go through the grocery store in a different direction; take a walk in the morning vs. the evening; watch a new show on TV or take up a new hobby.
- Shift your paradigm to think of risk taking as an opportunity to learn and experiment. I’ve written before about being a life-long learner … it’s a key characteristic in staying fresh and current at work and in your personal life. Raise your hand for that new project and get uncomfortable. That’s where the learning and magic can happen.
- Take on a continuous improvement initiative. This will force you to think about how CHANGE can improve a process or situation. You’ll be able to envision the benefits of change. Interesting how “new and improved” always comes about based on a CHANGE to the as-is.
- Focus on the “to-be state.“ Similar to the previous point, when you focus on how good things will be after making changes, (“Gee, I can keep up with my kids on the ski slope being 20 pounds lighter!”), it makes it much easier to stay motivated and stick to your change plan. Keep a picture of your dream house that you can soon afford through changes in spending patterns. Or maybe it’s a vision of you walking out the door at 5:00 because you’ve taken action in managing out that problem employee and you now have a stellar replacement player that makes your job SOOO much easier!
Living a life “in motion” makes for more interesting and engaging discussions and relationships. When you are involved in changes, you have new thoughts and experiences … you have more to share with others.
So what do you think? Are you ready to get in motion?
Martha Duesterhoft is a partner at PeopleResults. Follow her on Twitter @mduesterhoft or connect via email at mduesterhoft@www.people-results.com.
