Change
Change is a process that we all experience at certain times in our lives. Some happen quickly, some slowly. We even notice the change after it has changed. Sometimes we go through another change during the process of change. So how does change begin?
Everything starts with noticing. Today, I hope you will come away from this article with an answer to the question, “Which stage of change are you in?”
No matter what stage you’re at, nothing has to be difficult. The tips section at the end of this article makes the process easier. You can even help other readers by sharing your own experiences.
Coaching is actually accompanying the person’s change; not changing him, but accompanying his process. The person is not happy with the position or situation he is in and wants to go to another position. This is a change.
As a result of successful coaching, a person’s perspective, actions, ideas, beliefs and position change.
A coach will never push a person into a place or situation that they are not ready for. Similarly, a coach cannot say to someone who wants to walk, “No, let’s stop, this is fine.” Wherever the person is, the coach is there; he is with him, he accompanies him. Let’s see together how change begins!
How Change Begins: Stages of Change
According to Carol McClelland’s model of change, change is a natural event and McClelland explains this process with seasonal cycles. McClelland says that we need to experience each season in order to grow through the inevitable ups and downs of life:
- Autumn
- Winter
- Spring
- Summer
Autumn
You start by letting go. Whatever you leave behind, sadness follows. Autumn is a “preparation” period, just like getting ready for winter. Trees shed their leaves. This is a phase of uncertainty. After all, will that leaf come back?
There is a lot of emotion during this period. Maybe that’s why sad songs are always attributed to autumn.
Winter
We are in the “I don’t know” zone. We don’t know what will happen, how it will happen. A good coaching question at this stage might be:
“What do you need to know?”
During this period, retreat, contemplation and silence are the best ways. Even our ancestors say, “Let me lie down on it and sleep.” Our inner wisdom emerges in silence and tells us what to do and when. If only we know how to hear it.
If we think of the tree metaphor, the tree, not knowing if the leaves will come back, must hold itself strong. It must endure the cold winter conditions to get them back, even if they are different leaves. The thin branches break with rain, snow and wind, so it is important to gather strength.
Spring
Ohhh! Yes, with the warming of the weather, the tree is ready to move from thought and stillness to action. The first flowers are thus born. Then, the branches gradually blossom and turn green. These new flowers are not old flowers; but the newly born ones are joyful and excited to meet life.
In this stage, you put into action what you have thought, written and planned. The only difference between a dream and reality is action.
Summer
The season of harvest and celebration has arrived. Plans put into action pay off. Instead of looking at those results as “good” or “bad,” looking at them as “What did I learn?” can make the next harvest even better.
And so begins another cycle…
What can you do to make the process easier?
Have You Noticed Which Season You Are In?
- Silence gives you the answer.
- What does your situation look like?
- What do you need right now?
- Most importantly, a coach is actually a change master. He/she can accompany your process.
Suggestions by Season
Winter
Be compassionate with yourself. If you are in a withdrawal phase, you can ask yourself these questions:
- “Am I behaving appropriately for this season?”
- “Am I in the planning phase, or am I pushing myself into action?”
- This stage is ideal for vision work, dreaming, and catching glimmers of hope.
Spring
Time for action! Still planning? Put down your pen and paper and get going. The road will show itself to you. Remember, even the worst decision is better than no decision.
Summer
It’s time to celebrate! Most of us skip the celebrations. Whatever you do, celebrate. Reap your harvest and ask these questions:
- What’s in my cart?
- What could I have done better?
- What have I learned in this process?
Don’t worry, you will have repeat cycles, many cycles in fact.
Autumn
It’s time to cleanse and prepare! What would you give up to be more comfortable in order to enter the winter with resistance? Consider this period as a planning phase. What do you think, this might be the ideal time to get a diary?
Nilay Arda Gökdağ
Professional Coach, Health Coach, Meditation Facilitator
