(Don't) Change The World

When I was younger, I wanted to change the world.
When I was younger, I didn't really understand change.

It turns out that when most of us talk about "change," what we really mean is:

I want the outcome.
The impact. The transformation. The better future.

But here's what I've learned: nearly all resistance–from ourselves and especially from those we lead–comes when we ask people to change.

The word itself triggers defensiveness.
It implies something's wrong with how things are now.
It suggests loss, uncertainty, upheaval.

But outcomes? Impact?
A compelling vision of what's possible?
That's different. That's magnetic.

So instead of selling change, anchor on the destination.
Don't ask people to abandon where they are.
Invite them toward where they could be.

The difference may seem subtle, but it's everything.

People resist change.
But, they chase outcomes.