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I recently reconnected with a colleague, Rebecca Reynolds, who has just published a new book, Thresholds of Change: The Way through Transformational Times. While catching up, Rebecca shared some insights about her unique take on change and how the book differs from others on the subject.
According to Rebecca, the popular conception that humans are hardwired to resist change is counterintuitive since change is constant—not only in humans but in every living thing.
So, it’s more accurate to say that a part of us resists change: the part that operates on what’s known and expected. This part is uncomfortable in unfamiliar situations, and its job is to set off alarms that we’re entering unknown territory. If we let that part dominate then we’ll avoid change.
Rebecca contends that if instead we focus on the larger part of us that yearns for learning and growth, which only happens in new territory, then we heed the warning by preparing for the journey. Then we tap into our innate aptitude for change that’s hardwired in our very cells.
Thresholds of Change affirms this innate ability to change. After all, change is the most natural process there is. And Rebecca identified that change operates in a distinct process, just like the seasons and the phases of the moon. Seeing the change process enables us to work better with it.
The book outlines Rebecca’s model of the change process and actionable cues to navigate change of any sort with greater ease and reward. The Thresholds of ChangeTM model includes four stages:
Instigation:
Where change first appears. It may begin as an event or grow into a trend or even arrive as something unexpected, depending on the scale of change involved. The primary indicator of this stage is destabilization—we’re thrown out of our status quo.
The Liminal:
Where change begins to take place. The change happens without our doing anything about it and does so faster if we allow it. Attempts to act on a change prematurely often thwart the change trying to come about. The primary indicator here is lethargy, the urge to do nothing, to rest, to go within. Heeding this may seem counterintuitive, but getting out of the way is crucial here.
Metabolization:
Where the change metabolizes within the system and seeks new form (job, relationship, business model, etc.). The primary indicator here is a return of energy with new ideas and opportunities emerging. We thwart this stage by rushing into form to escape the discomfort of change. Experimenting with new forms is what this stage calls for.
Manifestation:
Where the change is fully incorporated into a new form well-suited to it. Like Goldilocks, we’ve discovered the form that’s “just right,” which causes a tremendous surge of energy. Our patience during the prior stage has paid off! This stage is marked by high productivity and ease.
This is a repeating and constant process, so while in Manifestation, we keep an eye out for signs of Instigation coming again.
You can learn more about Rebecca’s new book, Thresholds of Change: The Way through Transformational Times.