A Formula For Change

D x V x F > R

(Dissatisfaction x Vison x First Steps > Resistance)

– The Beckhard-Harris Change Equation –

This is a formula for change I find myself constantly referring back to.

The first time I learned of it, my intuitive truth radar lit up as I recognised elements of the equation had been present during the transformational periods of my life.

Presently, many of us are going through a transformational period in training for the upcoming event, as we bias our training to more endurance oriented stimuli. And on a macro level, we are always changing, whether we consciously realise it or not. This is embedded within our human nature.

Change is an inevitable process but to intentionally direct it, there are ingredients essential to its execution. These will be discussed below…

Dissatisfaction: Counter to the positive affirmation culture, change begins with dissatisfaction.

I refer back to an article in which I expressed my disappointment with a recent performance of mine. Discarding this disappointment at the time, was a far more attractive alternative than accepting it, however, in doing so I would have abdicated my responsibility to change, never engaging with this process.

The dissatisfaction of that particular performance has been a strong impetus in taking a far more meticulous and considered approach to the upcoming event. But it is more than this. The disappointment – or dissatisfaction – was not only a powerful motivator, it was necessary; an essential aspect of the equation. Without it, one is never coerced from comfort.

Vision: If dissatisfaction represents a negative motivator, then vision represents the positive.

For many, completing the upcoming event represents the vision. It is the goal; the outcome; the manifestation of our efforts and what we are training towards. To begin, we must objectively define Point A: the current state. The vision is Point B: the potential state. It represents what we could be on the other side of change. This image keeps us motivated and focused.

Perhaps we attach this vision to our “why”, to remind ourselves of who we are doing this for. We must keep this vision in mind as we engage with the process.

First Steps: Planning and doing the work are two very different things. This process counts for nothing if we are unwilling to take the first few pivotal steps. It is from this, momentum begins to build.

Showing up is usually the most difficult thing. This is because change goes against our very nature – we are homeostatic and lazy by design and once we have established physiological efficiency, it takes additional energy to move elsewhere.

Some will get caught up in the details of the program; or intellectualise this process away, but ultimately these are distractions, when the reality is really quite simple: show up; take the first steps. The ball is rolling now, and its trajectory predicates on your consistent efforts.

Resistance: For this process to manifest, these three previous elements must be a greater force than one: resistance.

Resistance comes in many forms. Whether it is physiologically ingrained, environmentally enforced, or psychologically entertained. There will be an element of resistance whenever we engage with this process.

There is no shortage of motivational speakers who will offer their perspective on this. The one unifying aspect is that all these individuals chose to overcome resistance in their own way. Some will have differing ratios of each ingredient discussed thus far; be it a strong disdain for the person in the mirror; or a clear ideal for the future, but the sum of each part totalled greater than resistance – staying the same. Because if we are to change, we need to overcome resistance; be better than; more than.

Through this equation one may intentionally initiate and influence change. May you use it wisely.