Richard Beckhard and David Gleicher came up with a formula to explain the 3 key elements that must be present for real change to happen:
Here’s the formula: D x V x FS > RC
D is your current level of dissatisfaction
V is your vision of what is possible
FS are the positive first steps towards the vision, and your willingness to take them
RC means real change; sustainable change
In other words; real, sustainable change will only take place when all of the first 3 elements; dissatisfaction (D), vision (V), or first steps (FS), are strong enough to overcome your resistance to change.
Any of the three variables may be strong enough to start change in motion; yet to make lasting change, all three must be strongly present.
If you’re having trouble making the change you want, the first thing to do is figure out which element is low.
Here’s an example: When John first walked through my door, he was feeling stuck. He was a stay at home dad, and although he loved his children, he’d had enough. He was ready to go back to work. Still, he’d been out looking for work with no luck. Problem was, he wasn’t sure what direction to go in, and he felt unsure of his abilities.
John had a high level of dissatisfaction; his vision wasn’t clear and he didn’t know what to do next. John had a degree in Architecture. It didn’t take long to reconnect with his passion for design and figure out what area he wanted to specialize in. Now his vision was clear.
It took a bit longer to build up his confidence to get back into the field. What he needed was a step by step approach to do some research, make some personal connections with key people, and brush up on his skills; bite-sized, doable action steps. After that, he was ready for his next step – to apply for jobs. He took the risk and got a position with a firm he liked. It took a few years to work his way into the position he wanted. Well worth the change!
And no problems with the kids! His wife stepped in by reducing her hours at work, they got some part-time child care, and he continued his great relationship with his kids. No one suffered at all!
When all 3 elements were sufficiently in place – dissatisfaction with his daily life, a clear vision of the kind of Career he wanted, and do-able action steps, he overcame resistance.
Where in your life do you want to make a change? Which elements are present? Which are missing? Do you need assistance overcoming resistance to change? How might your life be different if you did?