I recently got a new iPhone. My Blackberry contract was expiring. I had been a user for years and very happy with the keypad and how quickly I could type on it.
I was fearful about changing because I had heard how difficult the iPhone screen can be and how short the battery life is. Notice I was not focusing on many of the positive features of the phone.
This is a common phenomenon when we experience change. We fixate on what we are giving up rather than what we will gain. We focus on loss. We are usually in the resistance or denial phase when this occurs.
During change we go through resistance, denial, exploration and commitment. As we begin to explore possibilities we work through chaos and move to buy in.
Once I researched the possible phones and their features and benefits I moved to commitment. As I am exploring the capabilities of my new device I am becoming enthusiastic. I am learning many new apps that make life easier. And Siri is like having my own personal genie.
While getting a new phone may not seem like a big change, I still had to go through all four stages of the process.
Whether we are taking on a new project, transitioning to a new role, saying goodbye to a loved one or relocating to a new city or company, we experience this process at different speeds.
What changes is your life calling for?