Change is the Essence of Growth

Change is the essence of growth. To not change – that is truly destructive.

My question is not whether to change, but how. As you know, I’m a stickler for a good framework. I need a model or process that I can repeat.

Perhaps the best book I’ve read on this recently is Switch by Chip and Dan Heath. Their three key points:

1. Direct the rider – the rational side. Give clear direction. Don’t leave the decision-making mind spinning.
2. Motivate the elephant – the emotional side. You can’t just tell people to change. You have to make them feel why it matters.
3. Shape the path – the situational side. Change the environment, the habits, the triggers. Make the right thing the easy thing.

I’ve been doing these three for years intuitively. Now I’m more clearly understanding the why of why I do them, and can better direct, motivate and shape both myself and the people I work with.