If you think you can't...

So how did I come up with the title for my blog? Well - Let me tell you a little bit more about me...

Currently in my job, I work for a Fortune 100 company as a specialist in Human Resources, specifically the area of Change Leadership or Change Management. What does that mean? As companies roll out new technologies, processes, or systems, my job is to anticipate the people side of the change.  This includes looking for potential areas of resistance, creating persuasive communications, training, etc...  Not to get too technical in jargon - I am considered an expert in Change. So I know that behavior and culture are the two hardest things to change without compelling reasons.

It was ironic that I had all the tools and knowledge at my disposal on how to make difficult changes stick. It was time for the physician to heal thyself!

Hmm...Compelling Reason.  We've all made new years resolutions or commitments to change (lose weight, get fit, eat healthier, etc...) and failed.  Instead of looking at all the reasons why failure happened - let's look at it differently

Were you changing for the right reason?

Was that reason compelling enough?

One of the things I have learned in my job when faced with potential resistance - is to ask why?  I like to call it the Five Why game - keep asking yourself why until you get to the real reason.  Here's my Five Whys:

Statement: I need to lose weight and get in shape

Why?  So I'm not embarrassed by pictures

Why? So my kids have something to look back at and be proud of

Why? I am not being a good role model for my children

Why? I am not being the best parent or spouse

Why? I don't like myself

So if you think you can't change, you won't.  Get to the right reason - that compelling reason that forces you to be uncomfortable by staying the same - and start thinking you can - because you have to...

P.S. Want to have a little fun? Try the Five Why game with your kids or spouse... :-)