How You Can Become A Catalyst For Change
The word change can conjure up many different feelings. When you think of the word do you get apprehensive or excited? Do you welcome change with open arms or do you fight it with everything you’ve got? Everyone responds differently, but you are more likely to be accepting of change if you are the creator and you are more likely to oppose it when it is forced upon you.
If it’s true that we would rather initiate change than have it thrust upon us, then why do we not do it more often? Maybe we don’t have the time to do it or see it through or maybe we just simply don’t know how. Life is full of change and that leads to growth. Change is what keeps us from becoming stagnant, keeps our life moving in the right direction and allows us to achieve the greatness we desire and deserve. Like it or not, we need to be willing to embrace it and work on being agile to go with the flow and change with the tides when something doesn’t go according to plan.
Key traits of a catalyst for change
In this sense of the word, a catalyst is a person that causes something else to happen. So a person who is a catalyst for change has a few key traits:
1. Initiative. Catalysts make things happen. These people are focused and determined, they know what they want, where they’re going and generally what needs to be done to get there. They are not afraid to put themselves out there and get started.
2. Positive promotion. Catalysts positively promote the new direction or idea. They understand and acknowledge the associated cons, but focus on advocating and generating a buzz around the pros. These people champion the ideas and put themselves behind it fully even when met with resistance. Catalysts work on getting buy-in from as many people as they can so the change is more likely to be accepted and implemented.
3. Make change manageable. Catalysts recognize that not everyone appreciates or welcomes change, in fact they know that some people are dead set against it. Most people are more willing to say “yes” to small, clear, manageable goals as opposed to large, confusing and complicated ones. With this in mind catalysts will break down the idea into more digestible chunks and take a gradual approach to implementing the change as opposed to doing it all at once.
4. Agility. Catalysts are agile by nature. They can quickly change direction, refocus and get back on track when they need to. Not every idea is a good idea, not every idea will be do-able but the ability to pick up and quickly get back on track is a key characteristic of a catalyst for change. They are not dissuaded by opposition, they can take complaints and view them as constructive criticism or suggestions for improvement.
How you can become a catalyst for change
If you’re not currently a catalyst for change but can see how this approach can keep you moving in the right direction, here are some things you can do to get you well on your way.
1. Analyse. Take a look at what you’ve got going on in your life right now. Write everything down that comes to mind. Is there anything that jumps out at you that you’re not content with? Is there something that isn’t moving forward as quickly as you would like it to? Identifying what you want to change is the first step to getting somewhere with it.
2. Take initiative. Make it happen. Don’t wait for someone else to take over or to offer to help you out. Once you have identified what you want to work on changing write down several possible “next steps” you can take to realizing that change. Do you want to improve your relationship with someone? Do you want to change the way you react to stressful situations? Do you want to change an aspect of your current job? Are you bored with your life? Whatever it is you want to change you won’t get very far without having specific action items you can do to implement it. Start small, choosing easier tasks to help you get started and gain momentum, then focus on items that are a bit more involved or difficult and just keep going!
3. Give and get feedback. When implementing a change it’s great if you’re able to bounce ideas off other people, particularly if they can help you implement that change in someway. Be open and receptive to feedback but realize that others’ opinions are not golden. You don’t have to take all feedback on board however, it is a good idea to at least consider it. Give it some thought and see where you may best apply it, it’s not always immediately obvious. Equally as important is to give feedback when asked for it. Be sure it’s genuine and that you are able to stand behind it. If it’s directly related to what you want changed this could be your opportunity to get buy-in and support for your new idea, so don’t waste it.
4. Create an environment for change. There is nothing more discouraging than trying to create change in an environment that is not conducive to it. I liken it to trying to stick to a diet in a house that is filled with chips, cookies, ice cream, pop and chocolate; you are just making it more difficult on yourself. If you are trying to get more organized around the house, as an example, create an environment that lets you do just that. Start by decluttering and then get bins and storage boxes, label shelves and containers, talk to the rest of your family and get them on board. My point is, you need certain things in place to make attaining that change possible.
Change is good it quite often leads to process improvement, increased productivity and efficiency. Being that catalyst for change is very rewarding and empowering. Grab the reins, take initiative and make deliberate changes to your life to get to where you want to go faster than you are right now.
Do you actively look for ways to change your life or current situation? Are you generally welcoming of change or do you resist it with all of your being? Join the discussion in the comment section.
See also:
Grab the Reins and Enjoy Your Life
How To Be The Person You Want To Be
Photo courtesy of: El Fotopakismo
11 Responses to “How You Can Become A Catalyst For Change”
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You know what? I think you have just enlightened me somewhat. I’ve spent the past few months rejecting all the changes in my life, and have even begun to thought that I just don’t like change very much. But upon reading your opening paragraph, especially the last sentence:
“…you are more likely to be accepting of change if you are the creator and you are more likely to oppose it when it is forced upon you.”
I can feel how true that is. During the changes in my life that *I* have made, I have embraced change whole-heartedly. But whenever a change hasn’t been my idea, then I have fought against it.
I have no problem being a catalyst for change when the change is my doing. Perhaps I can learn to accept the other changes in my life by (someway, somehow) turning them into things that I have chosen. I wonder if this is possible? Hmmm…much thinking I have to do on this subject!
Thank you for inspiring me!
Jay Schryer’s last blog post..7 Things
Change of course is inevitable. Everything changes, including ourselves. So anything other than acceptance and creation of our own changes is a huge waste of energy. Like Canute holding back the tide.
Personally I welcome change when I’m prepared and when I have an influence in it. I do know I get suspicious and resistant to imposed change .. even if it’s good for me.
Ian | Quantum Learning’s last blog post..Power of beliefs
This is an interesting post, Sherri. I have never had any problems with change. I always managed to just go with the flow. I have had moments where change was hard but I never resisted it. My husband is the same way so to me it is not a big deal but when it comes to my father, it is a different story. He is so resistant to change and he is so unhappy. I think a lot of unhappiness is due to people insisting that certain things in life have to look a certain way.
Nadia – Happy Lotus’s last blog post..Be Undeniably Good
I loved this post. Changing can be very hard, but the list you provided is very helpful. Making a change can really be affected by attitude. I wrote about this on my blog today. Check out “Change Your Attitude, Change the World” at http://positivelypresent.typepad.com
Positively Present’s last blog post..change your attitude, change the world
Hey, Sherri! How did you get a picture of my living room to use for this post?
I’ve learned the hard way that change just happens. It’s part of life, the universe and everything. The Buddhists say, “Nothing lasts.” Kierkegaard would say that there is only ONE thing that is permanent and immutable: The Good (aka: Love).
Either way, most of the things we get attached to (people, things, ideas, opinions, hopes and dreams) are all subject to change. Trying to resist that is like attempting to hold back the tide.
Whether we like it or not, change will happen… so we might as well like it.
Lisis | Quest For Balance’s last blog post..Adventure: Aim To Help, Learn To Love
Hi Sherri,
Normally I’m not afraid of change because I like to live life deliberately. I can imagine if I was just floating through life I would be afraid of change in case I floated in the wrong direction.
But occasionally I get an inner nudge to do something or go somewhere and I get scared because it will mean a massive change. I know I should listen to my intuition but I don’t always have the courage. About a month ago I had this strong inner urge to go to Korea and teach English for a year. But I didn’t do it.
Thanks for the great tips.
Tom Maurer | Simple and Spiritual’s last blog post..The World Isn’t Out To Get You
@ Jay – I’m glad you liked it and found it helpful. Resisting change doesn’t really get you very far and it certainly doesn’t make you happy.
@ Ian – Agreed! Change is inevitable the key is finding a way to accept it and be open to it when it’s not self imposed.
@ Nadia – That’s great going with the flow can certainly eliminate so much stress and as a result you’re calmer and happier! Being so set in your way results in the complete opposite!
@ Positively Present – Attitude is a good point and goes back to what Jay was saying about trying to find a way to turn imposed changes into something he’s chosen.
@ Lisis – LOL! You touch on a great point also, attachment. It is our attachment to the ideas of how somethings should play out that causes us the most unhappiness. “This too shall pass” is a great phrase and doesn’t only apply to the bad times but also to the good times. Nothing lasts forever and change is inevitable, we just need to figure out how to accept that.
@ Tom – Living life deliberately – LOVE it! Yes I can see going to Korea for a year from New Zealand would be a huge change! But just because you didn’t jump on the opportunity this time you might next time! Sometimes the most rewarding things in life happen when you take the road less traveled!
Thank you all for such wonderful comments!
Interesting post! There is no way to avoid change, but we often try hard to avoid it.
I really like your point about change being easier to accept if we are the cause of the change. I hadn’t thought of that before.
Roger – A Content Life’s last blog post..What’s Your Favorite Charity?
Wonderful stuff Sherri. I read it twice!
Stephen – Rat Race Trap’s last blog post..Top 10 Ways To Grow Your Brain
@ Roger – Thanks I’m glad you liked it. When I first heard that I thought well of course, why didn’t I see that before? We all like to control as much as we can, I think that’s human nature, so to have something change outside of our control is a little harder to accept. Once we accept the idea that we in fact control very little, the more laid back I think we get when change is thrust upon us.
@ Stephen – I’m flattered and glad you liked it…twice!