Earlier this month we asked you to consider one change that you would like to make in the way you lead. How is staying with that one change going and what successes are you experiencing along the way?

Since we know that most changes are hard to withstand, let’s use a TARP to help us stick with our one resolution. Research tells us that there are four components to focus on when making and sustaining a change. To help us remember the four points, just think of a TARP – opening up and protecting the change that you are working to make. Here is what we mean by this TARP.

T – Change takes Time. Change doesn’t typically happen instantly, especially if there is a challenge involved. As you’re working to implement a new change, remind yourself that it takes time for a new behavior to become habitual. Think about the power of small steps over time and visualize how those small steps lead toward the goal you’ve chosen. Give yourself a time frame for making your change and track your progress over time.

A – Change takes Attention. Pay attention to the change you want. Visualize the accomplishment of the goal. It’s out there in front of you, within your reach. Let’s say that you want to delegate more. How are you attending to that change? What are some ways that you are continuing to make it a priority and how are you tracking your progress?

R – Change takes Repetition. Check the research and you’ll get multiple answers on how many times it takes to make a change in behavior become a habit. Whether it’s seven or seventy, we know that the more we repeat the behavior associated with the change, the more likely it is to stick. Be intentional on ways you are behaving in a manner that builds on the change you want.

P – Change takes Positive Feedback. This is such an important part of making your change. How do you intentionally build in positive feedback on the change you’re seeking? At times others will give us feedback on how we’re doing, especially when we ask for it. Clearly we want honest feedback on what is working and what is not yet where we would like it to be. And, it’s important for us to remember the power of our language as we give feedback to ourselves. Celebrate even the smallest progress you are making, learn from missteps and place more energy on what is working. Stay away from your own defeating comments like, “I can’t do this! It’s just too hard!” and replace them with positive self-talk. For example, “Ok, that did not go the way I intended it to. I’m learning as I’m going and I will not give up on my desire to delegate more. While my last experience is not representative of my best intentions, I’m turning my focus on what I want to accomplish. I will not give up.”

If change were easy, then there would be no need for the countless number of books, blogs, speeches and tweets on the subject. With determination and a nice strong TARP, you are much more likely to accomplish that one goal, turn it into a habit and then be ready to reach out for your next challenge.

By Vicky Dearing, PCC