Are you ready for change?

Obituaries
Change has been variously defined as making a material difference in something compared to an earlier state, transforming or converting something, or simply becoming different.

Change has been variously defined as making a material difference in something compared to an earlier state, transforming or converting something, or simply becoming different.

By Cynthia Hakutangwi

While an organisational structure may change through major downsizing, outsourcing, acquisitions, or mergers, personal changes in an individual’s life tend to take on a rather peculiar complexion. Organisational changes can be specifically categorised into structural, cost, process and cultural change. Personal changes on the other hand have a much broader and often complex scope ranging from mindset shifts to behavioural, attitudinal and in some cases physical changes which can be difficult to define or measure depending on their levels of consistency.

In the enthusiasm and pressure of adopting New Year’s resolutions towards a better life, the temptation for most individuals is to make radical changes in certain areas of their lives.

While radical changes promise equally radical benefits in the short term, some changes can trigger a system shock to the general infrastructure of our lives if they are not taken in decent healthy strides. This can pose a danger for further dysfunction.

Discontent with or in the current affairs of our lives can often convict us to make radical and drastic changes in fundamental areas. These decisions and disruptions can potentially create glaring vacuums which can be disastrous if they are not managed with wisdom. The generality of change decisions in our lives require us to be discerning to the end that we ensure we have the adequate commitment, resources, support and internal capacity to sustain them.

Radical, incremental or transformational change?

Radical change and incremental change are two types of change that are polar opposites. Debate continues to ensue over which kind of change is better. Those who believe in innovation consider incremental change too slow while those that believe in incremental change view radical change as “too risky and not sustainable.”

A typical example is that of weight loss through dieting. Diets are often successful in terms of allowing us to lose weight rapidly, but they are not sustainable and they are not intended to be sustainable. We start diets with the thought that they will be temporary, however, in order to keep the weight off, we need to gradually condition a new sustainable nutritional plan, otherwise we will end up in a more desperate condition than when we started. When we do not formulate a plan to form new habits, we are very likely to fail. Radical change requires willpower, support and more change management.

What if the speed of radical change can be merged with the sustainability and continual improvement of incremental change?

Transformation is an approach, a philosophy and a methodology. One of the key underlying principles of transformational change is that it is holistic. By dealing holistically with all elements of human systems, transformational change has proven to be sustainable as it aims to be irreversible and enduring. In the pursuit of changes that can improve our lives in the New Year, let us remain mindful of the need for wholesome sustainable thinking.

How do you enter a new season?

Embracing and welcoming a new dawn can be extremely arduous if you are still holding on to the shattered dreams of yesterday’s sunset. Every new season brings with it fresh promises and clean slates to write on. How do you write a new dream with fresh hopes on a new slate with old ink? It is so easy to be engulfed by the reality of our continued personal, domestic and foreign problems — indeed some of them are explosive and dangerous.

As we stand at the gateway of another year, we must pause and reflect on the actions we are going to take in order to make the New Year better than the one we are leaving behind. While New Year resolutions are noble, we need wisdom to enable us to enter the New Year with humble and grateful hearts. A new season is best enjoyed when we have sufficiently detoxified ourselves from those things and associations that contaminate our hearts, minds and spirits.

Beyond optimism, we must determine to put our best foot forward and show ourselves in the most positive way possible. This is the time of the year to not only set goals, but to choose our teams and associations wisely. The New Year resolutions should not only be concerned with creating time but equally and more importantly, blocking time to develop and cultivate meaningful relationships with ourselves and others so that we can be fully present with our loved ones.

It is time to recharge

In some instances the year that has passed may have left you deflated and discouraged. This is the perfect opportunity to motivate yourself to recharge in every area of your life. How do you plan to nourish and recharge your inner spirit man? What plans have you made to detoxify from hurtful and anti-progressive emotions?

Who do you need to forgive in order to move on ahead? Have you forgiven yourself for your failures and how have you dealt with self-condemnation?

In spite of your failures and shortcomings, a healthy self-esteem is an integral part of your personality. It therefore requires deliberate cultivation and maintenance as it determines your levels of vitality, enthusiasm and personal magnetism. With a healthy self-esteem you will become more positive, effective and able to attract good people in your life.

How are you planning to detach yourself from the toxic relationships you may have? As you recharge, you must be determined to achieve your set goals in spite of the threatening obstacles. One of the best ways is through ejecting toxic, time-wasting habits and people who hold you back and pretend to care for you. How do you intend to invest in your body?

According to Rick Warren, “Keeping your body in shape is a spiritual discipline. It’s not just about losing a few pounds, wanting to live longer, or trying to look nicer. Your Creator is going to hold you accountable for how you managed what He gave you.” In all your endeavours, may you determine to enter the New Year with the attitude to serve others and pursue your God-given purpose.

l Cynthia Hakutangwi is a communications and personal development consultant, life coach, author, and strategist. Looking at improving balance, energy, organisation, health fitness, relationships, focus, faith and happiness? Wholeness Incorporated Coaching offers you strategies and simple steps you can implement today to become a better, more balanced, happier version of yourself. E-mail: [email protected]. Facebook: Wholeness Incorporated.