There is that joke about light bulbs….how many (fill in the blank) does it take to change a light bulb? The one for social workers is: it only takes one (social worker) to change a light bulb, but it really has to WANT to be changed. (ugh, old joke, but there you have it). Another sayinig is-the only thing that is constant is change. Humans and organizations like the comfort zone…the predictable, the familiar. Oh. maybe something new once in a while just to tickle our brain. But real, get in your face, shake up my life, unpredictability in the future and “I don’t know how this is going to work out…” change, well, no thanks.
It isn’t easy to adapt to change quickly–whether in our personal life or in our organization or place of belonging (our community). And adapting isn ‘t a light switch we just flick on and our adaptations (and attitudes) are in gear.
It is important to understand the STAGES of CHANGE in order to grapple with where I am at, where I want to go and how I can succeed in managing the change successfully (ie, I am seeing the opportunity, making the best out of it, getting over myself and my expectations).
1. Precontemplative-not ready for the change yet or not even recognizing that it is coming or needs to happen. Being unaware or in denial.
2. Contemplative- getting ready, starting to acknowledge that change is going to or needs to happen; weighing pros and cons.
3. Preparation-ready to deal with it, intending to take action in near future, taking small steps toward making the change.
4. Action-taking specific steps to navigate the change, being thoughtful about new behaviors to accomodate the change.
5. Maintenance-changed behavior and a lifestyle that has adapted to the change; some evaluation may occur to re-adapt.
The way to understand change is to understand our hesitancy or fears, our expectations and also what stage we are in the change. Looking back, I can see that change has brought some of the best opportunities and richest seasons of my life, though I may have been the light bulb that didn’t really WANT to be changed at the time.
What stage are you in?