Intentionally Growing Through Seasons of Change
“To live intentionally implies that it is not going to be always convenient, but it is what will take you to significance if you do not give up.” – Sunday Adelaja
No one can deny we are in a season of change; some will accept and adapt to it better than others; some may resist and stress over it. Leaders have a different view, whether those changes are economically driven, cultural shifts, or by design within their organizations. In seasons of change, leaders see opportunities before others and respond with specific objectives and a plan for growth.
When you have a plan for your personal growth, you’re more likely to challenge your team to reach for their potential as well. Setting well-defined objectives amid a rapidly changing environment allow you to,
Adapt to changing environments and the possible challenges they pose to your organization.
Adjust your plans and approach to changes in fluctuating situations.
To see positive outcomes amid unplanned yet necessary changes.
Empathize and respond to the questions and concerns of your people.
Do you have solid core values that keep you anchored in reality during seasons of change?
a. Revisit your core values regularly – Are they timeless or dated? b. Do you know when changes are needed – What needs to change, and what will that change require? c. Do you have a protocol for adapting to changes, and will it see you through each stage?
Intentionally Change Your Thinking “As human beings, we are responsible for our own lives. Our behavior is a function of our decisions, not our conditions.” – Stephen R. Covey
It takes determination to endure seasons of difficulty, even more so when shifting gears or changing direction, as an individual or a business. It is said that old habits die hard; this is especially true when it comes to our thought life.
The ability to endure seasons of change comes from a tenaciousness developed over time; it’s learning to bend without breaking. It’s tempting to default to old ways of thinking and the comfort zone of familiar ways of doing things.
For better or worse, we ultimately receive what we believe.
There is some truth behind the idea of consistent expectations (positive or negative) and corresponding outcomes.Whatever we continue to believe about ourselves and our reasons for certain expectations does influence our decisions,which, of course, guides our behaviors.
The likelihood of experiencing self-fulfilling prophecies increases with repetitive thoughts and behaviors over time. Changing our mental and emotional scripts helps us to break that cycle.
David Taylor-Klaussays, “We don’t overcome negative thought patterns, we replace them. For most of us, those negative thought patterns are well-worn neural pathways. Four simple steps:
1. Notice when you have started the pattern. 2. Acknowledge that it’s a pattern you want to change. 3. Articulate what you want to be different. 4. Choose a different behavior – one that serves your goals.”
Negative expectations serve to increase anxiety and stress, reinforcing old negative scripts we’re likely to repeat if we fail to make a conscious effort to replace them.
Intentionally Plan Your Growth “You were born to achieve something significant, and you were destined to make a difference in your generation. Your life is not a divine experiment, but a project of Providence to fulfill a purpose that your generation needs” – Dr. Myles Munroe
Being intentional about your future keeps you prepared for what’s ahead because intentional leaders are always thinking and planning the next steps. Being intentional strengthens your endurance because much of your focus will be on your action steps, not on your changing environment.
When you’re intentional, You won’t hesitate or back down in stressful situations. You know it won’t be easy, and quitting is not an option. You will see possibilities where others see roadblocks. You will see unexpected developments as opportunities for creative problem-solving.
Schedule Your Growth “The secret to success is determined by your daily agenda.” – John C Maxwell
Maxwell says, “You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. Be practical about personal growth—literally put it on your calendar. Going to the next level in your career demands that you take responsibility for continuing your personal growth.”
Identify Your Strengths Growth begins when you identify your natural gifts and talents. Focusing on the areas of your strengths keeps you aligned with your purpose and highly motivated because you’re improving upon skills you are wired to use.
Surround yourself with others who are better than you in the areas of your strengths. Learn who they listen to and the authors the glean from, it will expand your thinking.
Apply the 24-Hour Rule Look for ways to apply what you’re learning immediately and share it with someone else within 24 hours. Developing the habit of passing on what you have learned to others builds a lifestyle of adding value to those around you.
“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” Nora Roberts
*** This article was authored by John Picarello, Chief Leadership Officer at Lions Pride Leadership Co.***