Motivation for Change

I've been thinking a lot about change lately. There are several kinds of change really, two of which are [1] the change that is inevitable and out of our conscious control and [2] the changes that we create. But, how do we get to the type that we consciously create. Was it Henley who said, "I am the master of my fate...the captain of my soul" ?

My current read, "Motivational Interviewing," discusses change in regards to how counselors, therapists, physicians encourage positive behavior changes. I find the authors' ideas interestingly true, specifically the idea that I cannot make someone change. In fact, the more I argue for the change, the more the other person will argue to keep the status quo. So, what do I do to encourage my clients to make positive change? Pretty much nothing. Or rather, it looks like nothing. That's the trick that will make me the big bucks down the road. I listen, ask questions, restate, lead, and most importantly I do not judge. It's like a dance. However, I feel like Hok from this last season of "So You Think You Can Dance" doing the Viennese Waltz. So clumsy but trying so hard to get it right!

And so for now I borrow others' theories of change, but someday I will synthesize all of my acquired knowledge into my theory of change. But, it won't really be mine...