24 March 2011

The Important Difference between Change and Transition


Any transition serious enough to alter your definition of self will require not just small adjustments in your way of living and thinking but a full-on metamorphosis. -Martha Beck

The difference between change ("what has happened to us") and transition ("how we adjust to what has happened to us"). Here change is an external event while transition is our internal response to the external change event.

When it comes to change, there are three kinds of people: those who make things happen, those who let things happen, and those who are always wondering "what the hell happened?" Change is like a shark in the ocean. Change never stops, never sleeps: it must always keep moving. The good news is if you hate the way things are, they will change. The bad news is if you love the way things are, they are certain to change as well.

Bridges points out the four P’s that people need to make a new beginning. I combine that with my personal acronym for BEST:

Purpose - why we Believe the change is important - People need to understand the reasons, and the logic for making the change so that they can put their minds to it.

Picture - what will Excellent result look and feel like - People need to experience the change in their imagination before they can give their hearts to it.

Plan - what steps will secure Success - People need a clear step-by step plan so they understand how they can get where they need to go.

Partnership - how will mutual Trust be built - People need to know the part they play in the plan so they can personally participate, and make a positive contribution.

I believe change and transition create great opportunities for growth. We all have the power within us to make and embrace big changes that move us forward in major ways.

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