Power Tool: Change vs. Hesitation

A Coaching Power Tool created by Nora Binder
(Executive Coaching, AUSTRIA)

 There is the risk you cannot afford to take, and there is the risk you cannot afford not to take. Peter Drucker

Be DECISIVE! Be BOLD! Step UP!

….regardless of how aware we are about a need for change, we can find ourselves suffering, taking forever to take this decisive step towards change. We experience a process so painful that we are turning back to the known and therefore – what seems to us – safe space.

We hide in familiarity, but at the same time we are aware of the fact that it is not serving us anymore. The uncertainty that makes us hesitate can influence us to become increasingly stressed and prevent a smooth transition in any change process.

What is change? Change means different things to different people. The basic meaning and according to the Webster dictionary, changes are events that occur when something passes from one state or phase to another.

We can illustrate the fundamental nature of change movement out of a current state – how things, behaviors, thoughts for us are today – through a transition to a future state.

What is hesitation? Hesitation is described to stop before we do something especially because we are nervous or we unsure about what to do. Webster further states, hesitation means we are unwilling to do something because of doubt or uncertainty.

Self application

We all have experienced that each change has its own emotional baggage. We go through emotional cycles until we are ready to accept the need for change.

Embracing change is certainly more complex when dealing with a belief or behavior that keeps us stuck in the repetitive loop of hesitation, wrong decision making and actions that do not lead to our desired outcome of change.

Many our thoughts can lead to hesitation:

• I just can’t do that
• That is not for me
• I lack ability
• I am not good enough
• I would love to….but I am not that kind of person

Prochaska et al. described 5 stages of change for overcoming this loop and moving life positively forward.

STAGE	CHARACTERISTICS
1)    PRECONTEMPLATION STAGE	We are resisting and even avoiding a change. We are making up excuses in order to not having to face the change, thus we are not taking on any responsibility. Defense mechanisms are present.
2)    CONTEMPLATION	We are starting to consider a change, we are starting to feel adverse consequences if not facing a change but we are hesitating. We feel ambivalent about taking the next step.
3)    PREPARATION	We are clearly seeing the “cons” of not committing to the change are outweighing the “pros” of remaining in the current situation. We are getting ready to change. We are getting decisive on action and are undertaking steps to prepare for these actions.
4)    ACTION	Time to move! We are taking steps required to change.
5)    MAINTENANCE	We have reached the change and we have developed mechanisms to stay there.

Once you acknowledge that there is a need for change, taking time to focus on contemplation and preparation stages is crucial for implementing the lasting positive change without falling into relapse.

Try to choose a situation or a behavior from your own life that you attempt to change – it could be related to for example to your diet, your caffeine intake, or a career direction you want to take.

Below is a questionnaire that may help you see how ready you are to embrace change.