In this episode, Chris Walker discusses the crucial concept of fast, conscious, and sustainable change. He emphasises the importance of aligning various aspects of our lives—focus, health, environment, priorities, vision, and self-talk—to achieve meaningful outcomes. Chris also highlights that true change begins with ourselves and our perceptions, especially when dealing with unchangeable circumstances. Join us to explore how to embrace change effectively and sustainably.

The Ever-Changing Nature of Life

Good morning, good afternoon, wherever you are. This is Chris, and today we’re indoors due to the gale-force winds outside. However, I find myself inspired by the spectacular scenery visible through my window. Nature’s unending cycle of change is a constant reminder of life’s dynamic nature. When I look out at the forest, I see change—trees shedding their leaves, wombats navigating their lives, and kangaroos jumping with joy. Everything is in a state of change, moving in a direction.

Understanding the Importance of Change

Change is a fundamental aspect of life that we need to grasp. For the rest of the year, I will focus on discussing fast, conscious, sustainable change. Often, we underestimate its value, the process involved, and our capacity for change. We either underestimate or overestimate what we can change.

Let me clarify from the outset: unless the person or thing you wish to change wants to change, it won’t happen. This morning, I met with a man involved in various executive boards focused on indigenous and community change. He expressed frustration over his 15-year career due to the minimal changes despite significant investments of time, money, and effort. Reflecting on my own work in Canada and other organisations, I realised the same: people who don’t want to change won’t change.

The Challenge of Facilitating Change

An anecdote from my colleague illustrates this challenge. He recounted a woman from a remote community who, despite being severely beaten, was primarily concerned about her broken front door. This incident highlights how some individuals do not seek change in their dire circumstances but rather focus on immediate, tangible needs.

Similarly, in my work in Canada, I often struggled not to impose my values on others who resisted change. People might want something to change, but they are often unwilling to change themselves. This is evident in organisations where employees acknowledge the need for change but resist being the first to act.

The Dynamics of Personal Change

When we discuss change, we often view ourselves as static and everything around us as variable. To some extent, this is true. Changing superficial aspects like attire or speech can alter others’ perceptions of us. However, true change requires us to be the primary variable.

To find peace with unchangeable situations, we must change our perception. This applies to dealing with annoying neighbours, bad weather, or a flat tire. When we can’t change the external, we must adjust our internal response.

Taking Action: Environmental and Personal Change

For aspects we can change, such as repainting a wall, action is required rather than mere complaints. However, when we aim for significant outcomes, the focus shifts to changing ourselves. This involves aligning various aspects of our lives with our desired outcomes, as detailed in the Back on Track process or the inner wealth method:

1. Change Your Focus: What you think about, you bring about.
2. Change Your Health: Align your health with your goals.
3. Change Your Environment: Ensure your surroundings support your objectives.
4. Change Your Priorities: Set priorities that reflect your desired outcomes.
5. Change Your Vision: Align your vision with your goals.
6. Change Your Self-Talk: Ensure your internal dialogue supports your ambitions.

If these elements are misaligned, achieving desired outcomes becomes a struggle.

The Formula for Sustainable Change

For meaningful change, you must address these six variables to achieve your desired results. Changing your process is simpler, involving shifts in attitude or perception. However, achieving fast, conscious, sustainable change requires a deeper commitment.

Fast Change

Fast change involves an intense, decisive approach. If you don’t commit fully, boredom sets in, and the effort falters.

Conscious Change

Conscious change avoids knee-jerk, emotional reactions. Instead, it involves thoughtful, deliberate actions ensuring the change is not only fast but also mindful and intentional.

Sustainable Change

Sustainable change is the culmination of the first two. It involves micro-stepping through the six areas of life to ensure long-lasting impact. This means adhering to the change formula, understanding that while the process is complex, it is distilled into simple, actionable steps.

Conclusion

Recognise that while you can change many aspects of your life, some things remain beyond your control. The most crucial realisation is that you cannot change others unless they are willing to change. Therefore, focus on changing yourself and aligning your actions, thoughts, and environment with your desired outcomes.

This is Chris, wishing you a beautiful day. Bye for now.

Thanks for tuning in to ‘The Anti-Guru Guru Show.’ If you enjoyed this post, share it with a friend who needs a reality check. Until next time, keep it real, keep it messy, and keep practicing. See you soon!