Change is superficial. External. You can hear it, see it, smell it or touch it.
In your life it may look like
- A different hairstyle
- A different way of dressing
- A change in a relationship
- A new job, client, or friend.
There is some observable difference.
You change your diet. You lose weight. People notice. You get compliments.
Until you change back to your old pattern.
Even in your business, change is observable.
- A different accountant
- Engaging your first assistant to help with admin
- Updates on your website
- Breaking into a new market.
Transformation is deeper. It is internal. You cannot hear it, see it, smell or touch it. At least not while it is going on.
- You first and foremost FEEL it.
- It is subtle
- Emotional
- A change of heart
- A change in values
- A shift in thinking
- A different way of interpreting a situation and therefore a different response
- It leads to an expansion of who you are if you allow it.
Examples from life:
- Becoming a parent
- Becoming a manager
- Being made redundant
- Happy life experiences like getting married and retiring often go hand in hand with a lot of soul-searching.
Examples from business:
- Starting your own business
- Keeping faith in the face of setbacks
- Letting others into your world as your business expands and grows
- Growing into a better and more sophisticated leader as your business grows.
Transformation means letting go of beliefs and ideas that no longer work for you.
Does transformation result in observable changes? Sure. Think of the transformation that takes place when a caterpillar turns into a butterfly.
It isn’t the changes that do you in, it’s the transitions. Change is situational, transition is the psychological process people go through to come to terms with the new situation. Change is external, transition is internal.” Managing Transitions (1981), by William Bridges.
It is those transitions that transform us.
You’re a wise one. What are YOUR thoughts on change and transformation?