Travel and changes

Emilio Salgari: "Life is short and the world is vast and full of wonders. To travel is to live twice."

When we face #change, there are various ways to approach it. Each person has their own.

➡️ Some want something and just go for it, charging ahead without much hesitation. Taking action is their motto.

➡️ Others rely on intuition, listening to their instincts, and letting deep feelings guide them, not overly concerned with details.

➡️ Some prefer to wait, filling Excel files with data and statistics, trying to minimize risks and maximize opportunities.

➡️ There are those who involve everyone, seeking opinions, advice, and building consensus around the change.

➡️ Some immerse themselves in solitude, reflecting quietly, pondering to find the answer within.

➡️ There are those who embrace change as an opportunity for growth, approaching it with enthusiasm and optimism, ready to discover new possibilities and learn along the way.

➡️ Others see change as a threat, resisting, opposing, trying to maintain the status quo out of fear of the unknown.

Are you more of a long preparation type or do you just dive in with a "let's go, let's go" approach?

I, obviously, am the type for long and deep reflection. I envy a bit those who dive into an experience knowing how to accept the risk

Change is not a point but a journey made up of many stages. Like in every journey, there is a starting station, a destination, a ticket, luggage, and a map. 

One of the reference models on change was developed by researchers James O. Prochaska and Carlo C. DiClemente.

There are six stages that people go through in the process of behavior change. Each stage is part of that journey with its milestones.

Here's a quick overview:

1. Precontemplation: It's when you feel a discomfort, something that doesn't sit right... a pebble in your shoe... but you ignore it. You have plenty of things to do and continue in the loop. The life you lead satisfies you sufficiently. But the feeling of discomfort remains.

2. Contemplation The departure: Here, you begin to hear an echo, a resounding voice. There's an urge now... you weigh the pros and cons. It's tough! For some, it may come more naturally, but for others, it involves a significant assumption of responsibility. Especially if the change is one of those big ones where when you tell friends and family, they look at you astonished, "You always talked about it but I never thought you'd actually want to do it!" Is it the right time? Where do I start?

3. Preparation The luggage: In this phase, you've decided to make the change and you're planning. You seek information, support, and take small steps toward change. You're getting ready for action.

4. Action Ticket and map: The fourth stage involves direct action towards change. You've taken tangible steps to modify your behavior, environment, or other variables involved in the change process. This stage requires considerable effort, commitment, and perseverance. You start anew based on your values and principles.

The last two steps of change:

5. Maintenance The Destination: After achieving the desired change, your goal is to maintain it and prevent a relapse into previous behavior. You develop strategies to stay motivated and overcome any challenges. For example: do I continue or do I quit? Did I make the right choice?

6. Termination the peace of mind. The change has occurred, you are a new version of yourself and you feel good about it. Not everyone reaches this stage, and some may consider change as an ongoing process.

My teacher used to say it was like she had put up a "work in progress" sign.

Now try to think about where you are in this journey.

If you feel like discussing it, write to me. chiaramarturano@gmail.com