This chimes with the human response of rushing in and wanting to fix, when really all you can do is listen and maybe provide practical help: a roof, a bed, food etc.
Happy Monday, Baird. It’s true that so often, we equate asking for help with being ready to actually make the changes needed. That distinction between pain and true readiness is important, yet it’s often missed.
The analogy with the S-curve is spot-on, especially the idea that we rarely prepare for change when we’re on the rise. There’s something both ironic and painfully human about waiting until we’re in freefall—Point B—before we’re motivated to act. And by then, the cost of change is so much higher. It’s a bit like learning to swim while drowning.
Right on the money, Baird. This is a very useful essay and the S- curve with the A and B points a very useful construct. Wish I had learned about it earlier, but would I have been wise enough to take positive actions? Knowing me, I doubt it!
Thanks Michael. I don't think we're engineered to change at A. We need the pain of B to get movin'! Sadly, that's sometimes too late, as I fear any action on global warming will be. 😖
I first read Charles Handy's "Age of Unreason" back in college, I don't remember too much except that the professor said life will be more unpredictable but it's up to change things we don't like.
Haven't seen that S diagram in years! Definitely a good reminder to be proactive with whatever change you want to see in life, and not wait until it's too late.
Yes I have seen that desire and willingness are not the same thing. In fact, the desired change may never happen... and that can also be ok, because there is almost always an unconscious storyline living itself out too.
This chimes with the human response of rushing in and wanting to fix, when really all you can do is listen and maybe provide practical help: a roof, a bed, food etc.
Exactly right.
Happy Monday, Baird. It’s true that so often, we equate asking for help with being ready to actually make the changes needed. That distinction between pain and true readiness is important, yet it’s often missed.
The analogy with the S-curve is spot-on, especially the idea that we rarely prepare for change when we’re on the rise. There’s something both ironic and painfully human about waiting until we’re in freefall—Point B—before we’re motivated to act. And by then, the cost of change is so much higher. It’s a bit like learning to swim while drowning.
Thank you for sharing.
"It’s a bit like learning to swim while drowning."
Ha! Perfect analogy. Thanks for paddling along with me Neela! 🏊🏻
As Dori would say, "Just keep swimming." lol
Right on the money, Baird. This is a very useful essay and the S- curve with the A and B points a very useful construct. Wish I had learned about it earlier, but would I have been wise enough to take positive actions? Knowing me, I doubt it!
Thanks Michael. I don't think we're engineered to change at A. We need the pain of B to get movin'! Sadly, that's sometimes too late, as I fear any action on global warming will be. 😖
I first read Charles Handy's "Age of Unreason" back in college, I don't remember too much except that the professor said life will be more unpredictable but it's up to change things we don't like.
Haven't seen that S diagram in years! Definitely a good reminder to be proactive with whatever change you want to see in life, and not wait until it's too late.
But, prevention and early intervention is so ... HARD! 😖
Yes I have seen that desire and willingness are not the same thing. In fact, the desired change may never happen... and that can also be ok, because there is almost always an unconscious storyline living itself out too.