Change is happening all around us. When it comes to business, in particular, change has become the norm. It’s no longer enough to look at today’s disruptive technologies as a sort of transition period. It’s safe to say that every new piece of technology and every innovation open the door to multiple others. It has always been the case, but this time things are accelerating at an almost exponential rate. So, to drive continuous change within the organization, we need to bridge the gap between past and future.
All of tend to personalize change and analyze it through our lenses. It is for this reason that we lose objectivity and become subject to fear. Fear, as a basic instinct, is not founded in logic. It’s a feeling that at times drives people to make rash decisions or make no determinations whatsoever. The reason for this is that we cling to the past and fear that by adopting new changes, we somehow compromise who we are at our core.
Luckily, however, this is not the case. And what’s even better, is that there are two exercises that anyone can make, allowing us to bridge this gap between past and future, and drive continuous change, in the process.
Discovering Your Core Cause
Every one of us has a core self. And it’s this most basic identity which gives us purpose and helps us find meaning in our work. Not everyone is aware of what that core identity is, nor do they know what’s the core cause that keeps them moving forward.
Fear, as a basic instinct, is not founded in logic.
But by identifying what this core cause is, people can finally come to grips with the fact that change will not affect their self-identity. And when this happens, they will eventually be free to drive continuous change in both their personal and professional life.
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1. Define Your Cause
Imagine yourself in a position where you have no financial worries or other such obligations. In this scenario, you have the chance to volunteer for any charity you wish. What is that charity? Is it something that tackles poverty, unfortunate children? Is it related to the environment? This list can almost be endless.
Next, ask yourself why you would choose to volunteer there. Is it because you like working with your hands, or do you like the idea of fund-raising? How would you feel while volunteering there? What would you be known for; while being there? Are you the kind of person that always sees the silver lining, or are you more of a strategic thinker? Would you always put people in a good mood?
The answers to these questions will help define your core self in an unbiased and unrestricted way.
2. Define Your Mission
During this part, you will define your mission. Use the answers to the previous questions to understand your cause by answering the following questions.
- What do you love in this world? This question helps you figure out your mission.
- Whom would you love to help the most? It will define your
- How would you like to impact them? This question helps you define your skills and values.
- What future would you like to create for those you love? It is your hope.
Once you’ve answered all of these questions, you will understand what values define you, as well as how you would like to impact the world. You will also come to realize that any change that happens in your life or at work can disturb these core values. It will free you up to redefine and align any difference with who you are.
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Bridge the gap between past and future
In other words, you can bridge the gap between the past (your core self) with the future (change), so there will no longer be any discrepancy between the two. If you want to learn more about the issue, let’s connect on https://meetme.so/GregNichvalodoff or greg@inscapeconsulting.com
