October 1, 2021
Are you sensing a lot of change is in the air? This fall it seems like more than the season is changing. Are you ready to make a change?
As I wrote in my September 2020 newsletter, this time of year has a sense of newness, similar to that of January each year. This year it seems like there is even more change than usual surrounding the onset of fall. In order to make sustainable changes in our lives, our workplaces, and our relationships, we have to take time to reflect on those changes, and take the necessary steps to move through the change. One of my favourite models of change is one I learned many years ago called ADKAR®.
ADKAR® Change Model
Prosci’s model of individual change is called the Prosci ADKAR® Model, an acronym for Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement:
The first step begins with awareness. What is the need prompting this change? The next step to me is the most important step. You have to want it. Without the desire, all the knowledge, skills and reinforcement that is thrown at you will not take hold without wanting to participate in the change.
Some of the changes that are touching my life:
Truth and Reconciliation Day
Yesterday, Canada observed a National Truth and Reconciliation Day. It is an extension of Orange Shirt Day that started as a way of recognizing and supporting survivors of the residential school system that impacted so many Indigenous families in this country. I will admit ignorance on this subject. School did not include teaching me anything about it. I did not grow up knowing any Indigenous peoples, nor did I have any concept that children could be taken from their families and stripped of their culture, language and dignity.
As a result, this past year I have researched how to include a land acknowledgement for all my events. I researched which territorial lands I am situated on (Beothuk), and learned that our province has four Indigenous peoples: Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu and Inuit. Several of my clients this year have been Indigenous organizations and every interaction I have with them provides me with an opportunity to engage in dialogue and learn.
Climate Change
I am currently working on a contract with the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture on climate change solutions. We are working in collaboration with Grenfell Campus, Memorial University to consult with agriculture producers on the effects climate change is having on their farms. A team of researchers is interested in setting up Living Labs on-farm to conduct research that meet the needs of farmers in their unique environments.
This project is reminding me of the little changes we can make to help reduce the negative impacts of climate change. From walking to the mailbox instead of driving, to the produce my homesteader husband is producing on our land, to being aware of the impact of importing food into our province is having on our environment. My husband has 11 composters and we try to reuse items as much as we can to reduce our overall household waste. Small changes make a difference.
Return to Workplaces
As we learn to live with COVID-19 in our communities, we are moving in to the next normal. Workplaces are welcoming back employees. Retail operations are opening up to more capacity. Travel is increasing and tourists are welcomed. While this change is positive for the most part, it can also cause anxiety and stress.
I am travelling extensively across our province in the next six weeks. 3 flights, 3 road trips, 7 cities/towns (on more than one occasion for some) and 10+ nights in a hotel are both exciting and terrifying! The changes as I prepare to travel safely, adhering to all health protocols are constantly changing themselves. Next week our province is planning to launch a vaccine passport while I am on the road. I will be watching this process closely and will adapt as necessary to keep myself and others safe.
Wellness Challenge
My daughter, her boyfriend and I have committed to a wellness challenge from now until Christmas. We are all fairly comfortable that we have the awareness, desire and knowledge to make lifestyle changes. This has helped us make the decision to make a commitment to our wellness. However, it is the ability and reinforcement that we are all working hard on. We have set up a chat thread where we can support and encourage one another on our journey. We recognize that both our physical and mental health wellness is equally as important. Massages, visiting a therapist, taking a walk or hike, eating a healthy meal, taking a nap, or watching a funny movie are all celebrated.
Man in the Mirror
I’m gonna make a change
For once in my life
It’s gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right
I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
Man in the Mirror, Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson sang a very powerful song about change co-written by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett. This song recognizes that change starts from within.
Are you ready for change? As difficult as it is, I am working hard on making small changes that hopefully have big results. If we all take the baby steps together, imagine what the world can be. Drop me a note to let me know what changes are you currently working on? ~ Carole
