Could you change when change really mattered?

New scientific studies conducted at Johns Hopkins University indicate that the odds are against you nine to one. Research shows that 90 percent of patients who had coronary bypasses did not change their lifestyle, even when their lives depended on it.

What is it about change that makes it so difficult? Why do we resist change even when we know it to be in our own best, and sometimes vital, interest?

Conventional wisdom tells us that fear is a far more powerful motivator for change than pleasure. However, according to the research, 77 percent of the patients who did succeed in making permanent lifestyle changes were driven by a newfound passion and vision of joy in their lives.

So it seems that passion and vision, not fear, are what provided the motivation for change.

If 90 percent of us are change resistant, that also means a significant portion of us are passionless and visionless as well. That revelation is even more telling than any resistance to change.

Passion and vision are core elements of our being. Without those we have little hope of living full lives or achieving success.

In a world of constant change, this correlation amongst change, vision, and passion cannot be dismissed. There is a whole segment of management strategists focused on improving the delivery and outcome of change initiatives.

The change message can be written in the sky or flashed in neon, but if you are not passionate about changing and can't picture yourself living the change, statistics show that you won't do it. To achieve the success you want you need to create a vision and nurture your passion:

• Start by identifying the changes you would like to make in your life.

• Envision yourself living a life where the change has already taken place.

• What are you feeling?

• What are you doing?

• What are you thinking?

• How are other people reacting to you?

• How has the change impacted other facets of your life?

• What has the change allowed you to be or do?

• Write an affirmation statement identifying what you will do to bring about the changes you desire. Be sure to make your affirmation SMART (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, And Time-lined).

• Focus on the positive effects the change has on your life. Eschew your thoughts of fear and self-doubt.

• Read your affirmation statement to yourself at least once a day until you feel a burning passion and desire to be the person you envision.

When you combine the powers of vision and passion there is little you can't accomplish. Successful change requires a shift in your focus and attention: Stop thinking and acting from a place of fear. Create a powerful and dynamic vision of yourself living the change. Find your passion for the change by embracing all the positive outcomes. Fear will only ground you in negativity and inaction. Your passion and joy will spur the vision and the two together will propel you toward your goal faster and easier than you ever imagined.

Published: August 28, 2006

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