Creating change in our lives is challenging. Dr. Stephen Covey, an internationally respected leadership authority and author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, suggests two practices to make change: follow your conscience and change your role. He states, “between stimulus (what happens to us) and response (what we do about it) is a space to choose, and what we do in that space ultimately determines our growth and happiness.”
Following your conscience, is listening to the small voice inside that tells us what we need. This is hard in a fast-paced world that rarely slows down for reflection. Sometimes ignoring that little voice (our conscience) just feels easier. But when we reach deep into the space to choose, and we intentionally slow down to listen, we can get a better sense of what needs repair.
Simply sit in a quiet place and ask yourself a question, then pause to “hear” the answer. You can question your personal or professional life. What thoughts come to mind? You must think deeply and listen carefully. You can recognize the most important things doing this, because there is power in knowing and listening to that inner voice. It is important to develop an understanding of our deepest desires and motives so that we can decide what change is needed in our lives. Your conscience can give you the self-awareness, focus and conviction you need to make change.
Changing your role, is simply seeing the world through a different lens. Sometimes our role is changed by an external factor, such as a relationship change or job promotion. Other times we can change our role by examining our perception and making a mental shift to see ourselves or a situation differently.
This change in thinking will ultimately result in behavior changes, because as Dr. Covey points out, “better behaviors naturally flow out of the changed perspective.” You may find a higher level of understanding and self-discipline which will help you commit to something new for the long term.
There are sequential steps to growth and no one step can be skipped, so we must do the work. If you are not at peace in your daily life, then try listening to your conscience and thinking carefully about how you define your roles, then look to implement change where it benefits you the most.
At Bauman Consulting Group, we supply both individual and group coaching to help people achieve their personal and professional goals. Find out more at www.baumanconsultinggroup.com.
