Fall First, Act Next!
3 Ways to remember Y.O.U. as you embrace, act, and thrive!
When we were small, we would fall and then cry.
As parents, we encourage our children to get right back up and try, try, again!
As adults, we occasionally forget that to fall is to learn from our mistakes and that in short timing, we must quickly act. We must quickly and intentionally move and behave in a certain way to push forward.
I recently had the amazing pleasure of welcoming and facilitating a workshop at an empowerment conference in Washington DC, where the theme of the conference was “It’s Your Year of Action".” In this full day of empowerment, , my goal was to motivate, excite, and jump start these women into knowing and declaring that this was in fact…..THEIR YEAR OF ACTION!
As each of you reading this blog have again hopped aboard my Change Train, I thank you. In writing this, I was reminded that we push ourselves so much for continued excellence. We oftentimes compensate for things that are not our own, we hold ourselves to standards that are beyond achievable, and we do this without a second thought. We do this selflessly.
We must remember that…………We are power. We are independent. We are, in our minds, ready to conquer the world….at one time.
AND WE DO ALL OF THIS WITHOUT TRULY THINKING ABOUT US!
Through this blog today, I share with you a few of the words I welcomed these women with and asked them to consider during my interactive workshop. I was reminded that today was about knowing and declaring that this is your year of action. It was a time to INTENTIONALLY pause, breathe, and think about how to make this year ABOUT YOU!
WILL WE FALL? ABSOLUTELY!!! What we can control is how and when we get back up! So, let's go!
…………………………..
There is power in articulation! When you look at the power woman right beside you, look at her in her eyes and tell her THIS IS YOUR YEAR OF ACTION!
Ground yourselves upon two principles: The first is to start with the foundation of you and the second is to focus on what we can control in any situation.
Today, your specific situation is that you are in a room filled with amazing, talented, and powerful women whom you may not know! Leverage them, alongside the tools/strategies you learn, to get you from where you are to where you want to be.
Webster’s Dictionary defines the word act as to move and do something. To behave in a certain way. Today I want to add the word intention to that definition. Today is about INTENTIONALLY ACTING.
I CHALLENGE YOU TO FALL, THEN ACT. I CHALLENGE YOU TO JOIN ME AT MY UPCOMING RETREAT SO THAT I MAY POUR INTO YOU! An all-inclusive 4-day experience that meets you where you are. I meet you at the Intersection of You & The Changes that are coming at you left and right. I meet you where frustration meets the desire to want more. I meet you where you have leveled up and know that this is great, yet you are capable of so much more. I meet you exactly where you are……………..needing moments to recharge YOU! Check it out by clicking here! I’d love to host you!
Leap from your comfort zone to the unknown.
Meet me at The Intersection of You & Change.
Not only is this the title of my new book, but it is purposeful and it is full of so much intent.
It is where fear meets confidence and where clarity meets opportunity.
You have been given a sacred space to leap out of your comfort zone and into the land of the unknown, where you will embrace, you will act, and you will thrive.
Embrace what you are learning. Act in today’s unexpected moments and Thrive because of the new information you are now armed with.
TODAY IS ALL ABOUT YOU!!
I left them with the offering of three things in the form of the acronym YOU. Y. O. U! I would love to also share them with you here today.
You
You are here for a reason. You are here to intentionally act AND I have the privilege of holding you accountable because I am at the mic or in this case, the author of this blog 😊 So…Grab your pen and your pad and we are going to be intentional. Consider this: Today, I will have intentionally……..done what?
For instance. I will have intentionally met 2 NEW women to expand my business network or I will reapply 2 strategies that I learned today within 2 weeks. DECLARE IT! In this case, while you are reading, what are you declaring is your intention for today?
Open
Open your eyes, open your ears, open your mind to new ideas and thought processes. You have chosen to be here so use this platform so that you can LEAP.
Unleash
Unleash You! How many of us, just the week alone, had fears, anxiety, stress, distractions, or even had to jump out of our own way? I know I did!
Close your eyes and simply breath. Take a deep inhale of the positive energy that you feel in the room. Take a deep exhale of your distractions, anxiousness and barriers.
Again, take a deep inhale of the wonderful lessons that you will take in today and a deep exhale of the words “can’t” and “won’t” that will want to enter your space.
You are power. You are phenomenal and you are right where you need to be. Be Intentional.
……………………………………
Change Agents, I remind you that aboard Lolita’s Change Train, we challenge each other to soar! We challenge each other to live in our moments and push WHILE making time for ourselves. Declare that 2019 is your year and make it happen!
Declare it
Write it and Post it
Create a Clear Plan
Identify an Accountability Partner
Check in on the Progress of Your Plan
Adjust as Needed
Celebrate your Small Wins Along the Way
Make it Happen
…………………………………..
GRAB YOUR SPACE AT MY ALL-INCLUSIVE RETREAT!
Journey with an intentionally, small group of power women where we support each other from the moment you begin your payment. The experience is indescribably, but don’t believe me…check out the videos and testimonials at https://www.lolitawalker.com/retreats and click on the upcoming renewal retreat and experience.
GRAB YOUR BOOK TODAY!
Journey with me aboard Lolita’s Change Train as you travel 17 stops of self-discovery, affirmations, poetry, and much more! You’ll be happy you chose to LEAP to YOUR Unknown!
It's Time for You To L.E.A.P.
Ready to L.E.A.P.? Please allow me to show you four ways to start your journey.
“The jump is so frightening between where I am and where I want to be...because of all I will become I will close my eyes and leap.””
Ever had that butterfly feeling in your tummy and knew you should just do it, or been fed up and simply knew you need a change? Well...
NOW IS YOUR TIME, YOUR TIME TO LEAP and here are 4 things to commit to memory that remind you YES, YOU CAN!
L is for Latch
Latch on to your faith and strengths, which will help you soar to greater heights.
Ask 3 people you know to give you 3 of your strengths. Shoot them an message, call them up, or ask them in person, the results will be the same. You are looking for positive characteristics that make you.,YOU! Ask them to give you an example of each one so you have context. Try not to challenge what they share with you, over-analyze, or ask penetrating questions, because you have now opened your mind to receive their feedback as a gift. Simply say thank you and most importantly of all, believe them. Relish in the fact that you have many strengths, some that you know and some you have yet to realize.
The reality is that we oftentimes fail to pause and simply take in our small wins. Your strengths are wins. They are what empower, inspire, motivate, challenge, and demand the positive attention you deserve. Take your moments to pause because, guess what.... YOU ARE GREAT! simply say thank you, let the feedback sit, and then think about how this strength can help you reach your goal! This, alongside your faith, will propel you to SOAR!
E is for Expect
Expect ups and downs on the journey to bring life to your vision.
If it were easy......well,,,, all of us would have leaped by now! There will definitely be times you will question yourself and even contemplate whether or not you should quit. There will be times you get extra energy because you are on a roll. It is these energetic wins that will lift you when you begin to challenge your decision to leap. Here's something that you can try. At the end of each day, document a small win. Stick a sheet of paper, titled "Small Wins" on your wall so it is visible daily. You can even section off columns for everyone in your household. It is a fabulous family fun time, that after a few times, will become a fun habit that everyone looks forward to. Stay consistent and lean on these accomplishments when your days, weeks, and months throw small doubts your way! #YOUGOTTHIS
A is for Assess
Assess your progress and adjust to meet your goals.
Just because you have a plan doesn't mean you cannot adjust the plan as needed. Your goal is clear, you have developed how you will get there, have tested it out over a period of time, and have a few results to warrant the change. Do it! It is your plan. You created it to achieve your your goal. Adjust as needed and be sure to measure your success.
P is for Prepare
Prepare to live and thrive in your greatness. ITS RIGHT THERE!
When you have reached your goal, the magic that sits there awaiting you is confidence, commitment, power, determination, accomplishment, perseverance and reward! You did that. Yes, you are worthy! Recognize and Reward Yourself!
Lolita E Walker is the author of “The Intersection of You & Change,” Certified Life & Executive Coach and Change Champion for Women. She is at the forefront of a movement to empower women to embrace, act, and thrive in the challenges and triumphs that are before them, act in their strengths, and thrive in the greatness that they are. Click Here to Read More
Are YOU ready to L.E.A.P.? You are invited aboard Lolita’s Change Train!
SPRING into A New You
6 Ways to help you S.P.R.I.N.G. into the new you!
It’s Time to SPRING Into A New You & Here's 6 Tips to Get You Started
The sun has peeked its head, the children are making their way to the playground, vacations are being planned, your car is finally getting washed. When you clean your windows and change out the closets, consider cleaning out the clutter in your personal space. Spring is the perfect time to detangle yourself from some of the people and things that may occupy your spaces and places.
· Think of 5 people in your immediate circle. Are they adding to your "joy jar" or taking from it each day?
· Are your friends telling you what they think you want to hear or what they know you need to hear?
· Are you already super happy and simply are wanting spring to jump start your next phase of awesomeness?
Well, COME ON IN SPRING!
Check out this S.P.R.I.N.G. acronym to spring you into something new!
1. Sing it loud.
I am a conqueror. I am beautiful. I am power. I deserve any and every blessing that is coming my way.
Start with a deep breath in and a deep breath out each morning as you wake. Consider modifying your morning routine to include gratitude and an affirmation to yourself, FOR YOURSELF. Be specific, intentional, and driven towards your core strengths and the greatness of where you want to be. Don't know where to start? Grab a powerful, personal, & poetic affirmation designed just for you.
2. Prepare yourself for the breakthrough that is headed straight your way.
Start with removing distractions from your space. Avoid getting caught up in what is not progress you forward. It oftentimes seems easier said than done BUT it doesn't have to be. YOU GOT THIS! Be clear on your goals. If people or things are obstructing your path to achieving those goals, classify them as a distraction. Move them to the sidelines and keep forging ahead. When you reach your end destination, you can then decide if they remain on the sidelines or if you allow them into your new space.
3. Rediscover yourself.
Rediscover what you love to do, THEN do it. Here's a little exercise. Grab a sheet of paper, position it horizontally, and divide it into five columns.
Column 1: Write down 3 things you are doing when you are at your happiest.
Column 2: Write down the month and year of the last time you recall doing each of the 3 activities.
Column 3: Write down what obstacle or fear is holding you back from doing each activity more regularly.
Column 4: Write down what you can do to conquer each obstacle or fear.
Column 5: Write down a month THIS YEAR that you will plan to do each activity.
Create a calendar event for yourself to "just do it." Finally, take a photo of your list and send it to 2 people that you know will support you in getting it done. Accountability drives action!
4. Intercept negativity now.
Shut negativity down by intercepting it before it knocks at your door. Your space is sacred and must be protected with what you deem is appropriate to bless it with. Negativity has no place within your journey. Disrupt your normal and hang your positive affirmations, your goal, and your plans for you to see on a regular basis. Stay focused and positive in getting there.
5. Nourish all of you.
Hmmmm, can one of the activities you listed in #3 (Rediscover Yourself) help you nourish your mind, your body, or your soul? Are you reading, attending training's, and growing your mind? Are you feeding your body fruits, veggies, grains, and other power foods? Are you taking time to invest in you and what feels good to your soul? Looking for an amazing way to do all 3? Join me for a 2.5 day, all-inclusive renewal & rejuvenation of wellness, cooking, meeting new people, workshops to shift your thinking, dlounging by the pool, and simply rediscovering you!
6. Give of yourself freely.
Although you may not yet be in the position you desire for your future, you have so much to be grateful for. Give of yourself freely and without reservation because to "pay-it-forward" may really go a long way for someone in need. Someone did It for you. Give of yourself and be amazed at the blessings that pour down in your favor.
SPRING Forward & Invest in You
Lolita E. Walker is a change champion, speaker, and workshop facilitator at the forefront of a movement to help women shift their mindsets and take back moments for themselves. These moments translate to more productive, creative, and decisive individuals, who embrace change at the onset, act with clarity and confidence, and thrive, as they surpass their desired results. She moves powerful women into their own personal greatness to thrive in work, home, and life. Within the disruption, discomfort, fear, and doubts of change, are triumphs, successes, and wins. Lolita's brings those out of all of her clients. Her services range from creating personalized daily affirmations, to retreats, speaking, and coaching, to name a few.
I'll Take Feedback from You, and You, and You!
Feedback is a gift. Will you take it or leave it in the hands of the giver?
Hey Change Agents!
It’s 2018 and time to walk more confidently into the changes that are coming your way by deliberately seeking the awesome gift of feedback.
Allow the New Year to bring a New You. Leap into your discomfort of seeking direct feedback and know that there is occasionally discomfort from those you are seeking the feedback from. The feeling is likely mutual, so lightening the load with a smile or approachable manner is a good bet.
Ask for specific feedback with the intent of listening carefully to the strengths and the opportunities that are shared. My daddy always told me that you have two ears and one mouth and to use them accordingly.
**His voice is still in my ear despite him no longer on this earth. He even made it to part of my "Embrace, Act, & Thrive" program of #embracingchange.
Here’s 5 tips to get you going.
1. Ease the discomfort by letting them know you are seeking feedback for this specific reason and share why you know they are the perfect person to give it to you.
2. Give them time to think. Although you want the input instantaneous, allow them time to think of quality feedback based on what and why you are specially looking for it.
3. Don’t overreact. Feedback is a gift, and like some gifts, you may not like or appreciate it at the time. Take it all in and use what you can as related to your original intent.
4. Jot the feedback down. Though you may not use it all now, there is likely a bit of truth in the ones you don’t readily want to believe. Come back to it over time, but focus on what is needed to make you your best you now!!
5. Lastly, thank them for being so open and willing to share. Avoid the sensation to give them feedback. This is NOT an opportunity for you to download all of the strengths and opportunities you have for them. You are listening and thanking....remember.
Lolita E. Walker is the founder of Walker & Walker Enterprises: A Personal & Organizational Change Management Consultancy. She is a mother, process improvement specialist and change management expert. She will partner with you on how to free your mind of distractions, manage your transitions, and embrace your change through acceptance and renewal. Her change management program results in the self-discovery of strengths that drive your success, coaching that translates into increased communications with those depending on you, and a sustainable change map that drives clarity, confidence, ownership and action. Learn more about her Program, Personalized “Affirmations by Lolita,” Retreats, and other offerings that help you embrace and thrive in transition and change. Visit https://www.lolitawalker.com.
Extend your "Holiday" Season Year Round
8 tips to help your holidays last year round!
As you wind down the year and reflect on your past days with family, friends, and self, it is far too easy to immediately jump back into the hustle and bustle of everyday life, without truly capturing (and appreciating) your moments.
For some, the season brings laughs and fond memories. For others, it brings a bit of sadness and sorrow. Despite which you identify, we can agree that ‘tis the HOLIDAY season. Great news is that Mr. New Year brings a second look at EVERYTHING. He brings opportunities to start afresh and rejuvenated for the newness ahead. He brings the chance to forge a plan built upon the lessons of the past year. It is time for you to embrace what is ahead. Here’s to keeping your personal HOLIDAYS going for the entire new year!
· Hope
Believe in yourself! Believe in your faith! Believe that you are your biggest cheerleader! Affirm yourself daily to make possible the greatness that is to come. Use affirmatives of I am, I will, I can and make your best happen daily!
· Order
Order your steps. Though we believe (including myself) that we are masters at multi-tasking, the reality is that it keeps us unfocused and unproductive. Try to avoid moving from task to task, by pouring 100% into completion of one at a time. It will ease your mind, order your steps, increase your productivity, and ensure completion.
· Love
Pour love into everything that you do! Your work is a reflection of you and therefore should represent that greatness that you are.
· Introspective
Before you can properly manage, coach, direct, or help others, you must first dig deep within. Are you where you need to be physically, mentally, and emotionally? Do you have a plan already in motion to ensure you reach those goals? Leading others begins with taking leadership of you.
· Discovery
There is nothing more powerful than self-discovery! Listen to that little voice that tells you to push beyond where you are. Discover your strengths and use them to master the tasks right in front of you.
· Acknowledgement
Acknowledge that you are a work in progress. Continuously improve yourself, your processes, your systems, and your routines.
· YOU
You are your most important gift. You are your most important investment. Take care of you first, so that you can effectively take care of others. Take advantage of one of the last 3 spots for the upcoming women's renewal retreat! A perfect opportunity to invest in you!
· Simplicity
Keep It Super Simple! Simply, BE FREE! The rest will fall into place. Start each morning with a meditation, a prayer, soothing music, or whatever alternative centers you. Affirm your day through gratitude! This sets the tone for the productivity, selflessness, and greatness of your day.
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Affirmation Alley
It is never to early to start the process of affirming the intention of your day! There are power in your words, so use them to declare the greatness that you are!
Affirmation Alley: The Power that Lies Within You
Have you ever felt there was so much change coming at you at once, that you must have simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time? Did you begin to question if you were going the wrong way, should you turn left, maybe it was a right, keep straight, turn around, or simply just stop where you are and huddle in a corner? Consider me that crossing guard who spots your confusion, calls you over, and guides you toward Affirmation Alley, while handing you a card to check out when you get there. You turn right at the corner, and come upon an empty hideaway, where it is only you…and your thoughts. As your heart rate slows, and the confusion settles, you finally look at the card, which has 5 simple instructions:
1. Breathe, Reflect, Release
Breathe: Realize your surroundings and know that you are in a safe space.
Reflect: Pray, meditate, or choose a preferred method, which re-centers you and brings you to a calm.
Release: Take in positive energy, and release the toxins of doubt and fear. Leave them in the alley to be washed away with the next rain.
2. Two “Gratefuls” & One “Great”
Reflect on two things you are grateful for and one thing that will make today great.
3. Two “I Am’s” & One “I Will”
Declare two “I Am’s” and one “I Will.”. An example would be I AM great, I AM strong, and I WILL get up, shake myself off, and kick ass in this meeting today!
4. Articulate your Affirmation
There are power in your words. Use them to affirm, declare, and definitely state your day's intention. State your affirmation aloud and with power and passion. Record it as a video on your phone. Say it to a friend. Review it during the day. Reflect on it that night and congratulate yourself on affirming your day!
Affirm it again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next.
5. Pay It Forward
Recommend visiting Affirmation Alley to a friend, colleague, family member.
Lolita E. Walker is the founder of Walker & Walker Enterprises: A Personal & Organizational Change Management Consultancy. She is a mother, process improvement specialist and change management expert. She will partner with you, personally stepping through how to free your mind, manage your transitions, and embrace your change through acceptance and renewal. Her change management program results in self-discovery of the strengths that will drive your success, coaching that translates into increased communications with those depending on you, and a sustainable change map that drives clarity, confidence, ownership and action. Learn more about her Program, Personalized “Affirmations by Lolita,” Retreats, and other offerings that help you embrace and thrive in transition and change. Visit https://www.lolitawalker.com
7 Stops to Renewal!
What does Renewal mean to you? Here’s 7 considerations for renewing you.
As we prepare to close 2017, and leap into the greatness of 2018, please consider 7 stops along your journey to Renewal.
Stop 1: “BE FREE” Boulevard
Believe in your strengths and open your mind to now explore. Check your fears at the door and get ready to leap to the unknown. Your strengths, values, and experiences will be the net that catches and holds you up.
Stop 2: “Articulation” Avenue
There is power in claiming your desired state. Speaking it aloud builds internal ownership and is your guide to unmasking and conquering fears.
Stop 3: “Plan-It” Parkway
Verbalizing is an aspect of articulation. Documenting a plan is another. When you commit to physically creating a plan, be specific. Lolita E. Walker, Personal & Organizational Change Management Consultant, emphasizes that the more specific you are, the greater the outcome is for achieving your goals. Consider who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Stop 4: “Food” Freeway
Get off at the Food Freeway to Mindful Eating. According to Karima Roepel, Hospitality & Culinary Educator, and Founder of Ambrosia Food Group, LLC. it is important to eat foods that ground you in reality. Particularly during the winter season, grounding, rooted foods, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and radishes help maintain balance and spark wise decision-making. Sip heated drinks that include warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, and cumin. Visit @ambrosiakitchen on Instagram for tips & yummy recipes.
Stop 5: “Coping” Cul-de-sac
Dr. Safiyyah Rahman, Private Practice Psychiatrist, reminds us that road blocks are everywhere and sometimes they can unconsciously come from within. Do not get caught in a dead end. Spend time being introspective and identify those areas in need. Especially pay attention to your mental health as this is, far too often, unaddressed.
Stop 6: “Unleash the Renewed You” Row.
Embracing change is not singular! When you begin the process of rejuvenating your mind, body, and soul, you are on your way to unleashing the “new you.” On this row, are those who are depending on you for success along your journey. Embracing and empowering them will fuel your continued strength.
Stop 7: “Invest in You” Intersection
The intersection of You and Change is the investment in yourself. Change begins with you and it is essential that you invest in its foundation. Invest in a massage, take unplanned time off to spend with your friends and family, indulge in a golf or movie day, find a …..Renewal Retreat!
Are You Ready to Board the "Change Train?"
Are you ready to board the "Change Train?". Use these 5 tips!
THE CHOICE IS YOURS.
You have been planning this trip for months. Your out-of-office message is on, your ticket is printed, your bag is packed, and you are finally headed to the train station. As you enjoy the open road of comfort and familiarity, you come upon a caution sign that reads “CHANGE AHEAD.”
Your mind instantly races to what this may mean for you and your trip. This single sign of caution is the catalyst to a series of decisions you will make along your journey.
Do you keep going? Or do you allow the fear of unknown to stifle your plans and force you to quickly turn around?
THE CHOICE IS YOURS.
Deep down, you already know what to do! You have worked too hard and planned too long to turn back now! You must keep driving with the purpose of boarding that train – ON TIME!
ALL ABOARD THE CHANGE TRAIN! CHOO-CHOO…..
Here are 5 tips to make the best of your journey.
1. Find Your Right Train
You get to the station and all of the trains look alike. The train numbers are not easily identifiable and no one is in your immediate sight to ask for help. Learn as much from the information desk as possible. Get guidance on finding the right train, which will have the right conductor to take you to your change destination.
2. Board with Confidence
You have researched, planned, and are ready to go!! Though your trip began with an unexpected change, you are ready and willing to take the ride. Board the train with increased confidence in yourself, your experiences and your skills. Those core aspects are within your control and are what define your expertise. Believe in them!
3. Engage Other Passengers
Seek to understand. You are not on this journey alone. Connect with others who have experienced the same or similar changes. They have insights on what you should expect during your transition. They may also share how they navigated their journey– the successes and failures. Don’t miss out on information that people are willing to share. Step out of your comfort zone and engage them!
4. Share Your Story
Though you may be at the start of your journey, you have a story to tell. Share how you learned about the change, what fears you have, their triggers, what you are hoping for, and what role you see yourself playing.
5. Have an Arrival Plan
When you arrive, you'll want to make the most of your trip, so properly plan. Outline your to-do list, who you need for support, when you will do it and how each will help you reach your trip goals.
Most of All.......Enjoy the Ride. Your change train will make many stops along the way. Learn from each and keep the lines of communications open with all you meet.
If you need me along the way, I am here.
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THE CONSULTANCY
The consultancy was birthed from the notion that individuals and teams benefit from an unbiased outsider freeing minds to more effectively transition through change - whether work, home or life. One of the program outcomes of a tangible change map, serves as an accountability tool to guide you, and those who depend on you, through your transition.
THE FOUNDER
Lolita E. Walker is the founder of Walker & Walker Enterprises. She is a mother, process improvement specialist and change management expert. She is the change management consultant who will partner with you, personally stepping through how to free your mind, manage your transitions, and embrace your change through acceptance and renewal. Her change management program results in self-discovery of the strengths that will drive your success, coaching that translates into increased communications with those depending on you, and a sustainable change map that drives clarity, confidence, ownership and action. Learn more about her program by visiting https://www.lolitawalker.com
You Need A Change Partner
Ready for a change partner? I am here to help you on your journey today.
A Guide to Drive Accountability and Help You Realize Wins.....But Why???
Change leads to progress. Though common knowledge, change stumps us at first, is more disruptive as it evolves, and sheds light at the end of the journey. The tough part is that, from where you are standing, that light seems to simply be a shadow of what can be. Change becomes a more difficult road to travel alone. Once you digest the initial fundamentals of knowing:
What the change is
Why the change is important
How you fit within the change
When the change will take place
Who else the change will affect……You oftentimes need to find a seat in a faraway corner simply to take it all in. Overwhelming, right? And think..... if it is overwhelming to you, what about your children, your family, your subordinates, and your teams who will be grabbing their bags and taking the journey with you.... some excited, some a bit reluctant, and some that have yet to even know how they feel. The good news is that a change partner acts as your coach, accountability partner, mentor, confident and the cornerstone that drives you to productively function in the midst of your transition. They provide tools that free your mind to make clear and confident decisions. They remind you of actions you know equate to a successful win on the other side of change. Assuming the change doesn’t shift your ethical compass, embracing it will be the start to your new normal.
EASING INTO CHANGE
It is easy to wander off the path of healthy change when there’s so much on the line. Big dreams, lofty goals, pressure for results and the black abyss of unknown can be scary, though achievable. The gentlest way to ease into a change is to set and meet small goals. These little victories cultivate growth, establish a sense of trust, and create belief in those who depend on you for success.
As you realize wins and overlay them with what will remain constant during the change, you then become increasingly confident in navigating within the new space.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE
Change is good. Without it, we become stale, stagnant and planted in a sea of status quo. There is no denying that embracing change is tough, however seeking a partner is a strength that you will appreciate when you are growing and thriving in your new beginning. It is easier to share the weight with a friend who will hold you accountable and challenge you on the journey. With Walker & Walker you have a professional friend to help you not only embrace change, but also thrive in it.
THE PROGRAM
The 5-step program offers viable steps to clear, confident & cohesive change:
1. Manage Transition
2. B.E. F.R.E.E.
3. Get C.L.E.A.R
4. Build with Intent
5. Maintain & Sustain
By the end, you will have constructed a C.L.E.A.R change map, which houses strong pillars of support, actionable plans, and commitments of personal accountability to drive results.
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THE CONSULTANCY
The consultancy was birthed from the notion that individuals and teams benefit from an unbiased outsider freeing minds to more effectively transition through change - whether work, home or life. The programs' outcome of a tangible change map, serves as an accountability tool to guide you, and those who depend on you, through your transition.
THE FOUNDER
Lolita E. Walker is the founder of Walker & Walker Enterprises. She is a mother, process improvement specialist and change management expert. She is the change management consultant who will partner with you, personally stepping through how to free your mind, manage your transitions, and embrace your change through acceptance and renewal. Her change management program results in self-discovery of the strengths that will drive your success, coaching that translates into increased communications with those depending on you, and a sustainable change map that drives clarity, confidence, ownership and action. Learn more about her program by visiting https://www.lolitawalker.com
Learning from Your Lessons of Change
Ready for your Change Lesson? There are so many to learn, but let’s simply begin here.
The Lessons of Change
Mrs. Change has taught me soooooo many lessons throughout my lifetime. It’s as if she strategically dropped breadcrumbs along my journey, knowing I would one day reflect and realize there was a use for each one. The lessons were always in plain sight, however blocked by fear, anxiousness, doubt and the unknown. Whether it was the change of being a mom 3-months earlier than expected, or the change of my father passing after 36 years of being an instrumental vessel in my life, or the change of a smaller company acquiring the well-known business I supported for over 17 years, the lessons I clutch tightly are the foundations that have built my consultancy.
My passion of partnering with an individual or a team helps me to step them through the disruption that change has brought to their normal. Facilitating the discussions that free their minds to think clearly and confidently, to then be in a space of open navigation, prompts them to leave lessons of breadcrumbs for those who follow. The intersection of the change and their personal transition is what drives my commitment to live this work!
I would LOVE to learn, through your comments, what is your largest lesson from change? As for me, I will share five of the breadcrumbs that I consistently hold onto during my change journeys:
Lesson 1: Articulate change clearly.
Change is hard at first. When the first domino of change falls and all others are in the perfect line to follow suit, it becomes difficult to articulate your true change statement. This clarity is necessary to create any sustainable actions. Take a pause to articulate your change. After you have done this, breathe! Then dig in and ask yourself why—3 times. Likely you are now at the source of what the true change is. That single domino that stands tall at the forefront is exactly what you want to articulate and what you will create your plans toward. Write it in the form of when, what, and change impact. As a result, you become clear and focused to create the correct plan towards actions and acceptance. For example:
On January 15, 2017, I was laid off from my Vice President position at the company I have worked for 30 years and this has significantly impacted my family’s financial security and lifestyle.
On February 21, 2017, our company was acquired by a significantly smaller company, who is uncommunicative and incomparable by way of benefits, and there is a high threat of a 45-65% employee turnover in the next 6 months.
Lesson 2: Others depend on your success.
Change breeds choices. It is natural to initially be entrenched in how the change affects you alone, despite you being one of many within a family, team or organization. Change is personal and shakes us at our core, therefore oftentimes making us feel and act in isolation. What can you do to assess who truly needs your attention while on your change journey? You have lots of work to do and must be a bit selfish with your time, energy and commitments. It will look and feel different for you, however the promise on the other side of change is well worth the temporary selfishness and attention. Divide a sheet of paper into 3 columns. Write down the names of those who depend on you, what they are dependent upon you for, and if their dependency is associated directly with your change or may result in negative impacts from your change. For those that have a "no" in the third column, consider having a 1:1 conversation with each. You will share that the focus for the next 6 weeks is to embrace and thrive in your own change and would love their support to do so. Their support looks like a difference in how you are currently supporting each of them (which is what you have written in the second column of your sheet of paper). Be clear in your discussion.
Lesson 3: Let go of the old to fully embrace the new.
Change is emotional. Focusing on what you will gain in the change will help you let go of the old way of doing things. Your status quo has served its purpose!! It is time to progress to the unknown, which promises the endless possibilities of all you will become and the impact you will make. Let go and leap to greatness!
Lesson 4: There is strength in seeking help on your journey.
Change allows you to work smarter not harder. Identifying your support system and leaning on them for tangible activities during your transition is a sure sign of strength. Change helps you become vulnerable. The power that comes from not tackling it alone is AMAZING, FREEING, and places you where you should be. Arriving at the renewal stage of transition and finally embracing your change will validate the strength, confidence and conviction that you have always had.
Lesson 5: Nothing changes if your status quo remains the same.
Change is progress. One thing that is constant is change, and she will pack her bags and leave you standing on the sideline of status quo. You are not here for that! To learn, to progress, to grow and to thrive means that you will grab your to-go bag full of breadcrumbs, disrupt the norm, embrace change, and leave lessons along your path to successful change!
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Lolita E. Walker is the founder of Walker & Walker Enterprises. She is a mother, process improvement specialist and change management expert. She is the change management consultant who will partner with you, personally stepping through how to free your mind, manage your transitions, and embrace your change through acceptance and renewal. Her change management program results in self-discovery of the strengths that will drive your success, coaching that translates into increased communications with those depending on you, and a sustainable change map that drives clarity, confidence, ownership and action. Learn more about her program by visiting https://www.lolitawalker.com