By Krysty Wideen

In some ways, I embrace change. Ask me to try to do something in a new way? I’m on it! Let’s switch up our process just to see what happens? Sounds like fun!

Funny enough, in other ways I find it very hard to break out of my comfort zones and do new things. Change up my order at my favourite restaurant? But I like what I usually order. Try a new exercise regime? But I have things that I do in the evenings.

What I’ve noticed, at least for myself, is that I find it easy to change behaviours associated with the creative process. For instance, when we are designing a workshop at work, we will often throw a new twist into our simulations, or explore new ways of approaching a topic, or challenge what we’ve gotten used to facilitating. This I find to be intellectually stimulating and I do believe that we most often end up with something more rich and valuable to our clients and participants.

Where I run into trouble with change, are in areas where I’ve developed a routine (such that I don’t even think about it anymore!) or when an activity doesn’t seem as interesting to me (read: exercise…). In these areas, I almost can’t be bothered to change; I don’t inherently see the value in it. Even though in my head, I’m thinking, “you should really try something new, Krysty!”, my heart isn’t in it in the same way.

Ok, so have I just stated the obvious? I’m good at change when change is part of my routine. I’m tough to change in situations where I’m not used to change. Yes, maybe this was obvious to everyone making fun of my same old lunch every day, but when it’s yourself, it’s hard to really see your own behaviour holistically.

So, given my new found insight (however obvious), I’m trying to apply it to encourage myself to embrace change in any aspect of my life. How can I create the conditions for change that I embrace in some situations in other areas when I know that change is necessary? Sometimes, I know I just need remember that change is tough and to give myself some time to adjust.

What about you? When do you find change to be really easy, even engaging and motivating? When do you seem to find yourself stuck?

Krysty Wideen is a learning and organizational development consultant with The Refinery Leadership Partners, based in Vancouver. Her professional interest and expertise is in emotional intelligence, type psychology (MBTI), conflict, team dynamics, learning design, and program evaluation. An emerging practitioner in her field, Krysty is actively seeking new information, ideas, insights, and experiences and loves to share them with the online community through the BC HRMA and Refinery Leadership Partners blogs.