What changemaker type are you?
Change, big or small, is pretty much a given. How you approach change differs depending on a number of factors: your past experience with change, your resilence, how you cope with stress and the unknown, your support network, your personality, your values, how motivated you are, external influences, and the list goes on.
Changemakers can be defined in a number of ways and there are many words used to describe them. In this instance, I am using the word “changemaker” as it relates to how one approaches change.
The one that describes you depends on how you evaluate yourself based on the above factors:
The Embracer runs to change. They love it and can’t wait to see what will happen next. It could be the challenge. It could be the excitement. It could be a miriad of feelings. The emotions that come with change are what keeps them going.
The Hesitater plays the “should I or shouldn’t I” game. They debate and debate and then may eventually move forward…or not. There may be some underlying fear based on past experience or change is just difficult for them. Either way, they need time to consider the possibilities.
The Delayer knows they want to make a change and they just need a bit of time to get there. They need to mull it over, talk about it, journal about it, make pros and cons lists, and then think about it some more. They will definitely do it when they get all their ducks in a row or just can’t stand waiting any longer.
The Resister is someone who runs from change no matter its form. Change is extremely uncomfortable for them. They live with the status quo even if it’s not supporting them anymore. It’s the devil they know. They might make a change but they will struggle with it to the bitter end.
Full disclosure, the Delayer describes me pretty well when making major changes. Even though I’ve made many big changes in my life, I still take my time. The good news is that I have gotten better at the process of evaluating the change I want to make.
Most of us fall squarely into one of the above types when it comes to major changes. Not all changes are created equal though. How you decide whether or not to make a big change can differ from how you decide to make less significant changes. I find that I am decisive when making smaller changes, clearly understand the impact they will have on my life and welcome them. Since I am a Delayer when it comes to big life changes, it is quite a relief that I can make smaller changes with clarity and confidence (aka - more quickly)!
What type of change-maker are you?