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Yesterday, I was talking about behavioural change to one of my clients and he , a Spanish national, used a very interesting expression to describe the challenge. He said: “Del dicho al hecho, hay un trecho”. The saying in its original version has the obvious advantage of the rhyme but its meaning still applies. In a free translation to English it says: There is a distance between what you say (you will do) and what you actually do.

I really like the messages conveyed by popular sayings. They normally offer precise and condensed wisdom that points out to the essence of the ‘problem’. When I heard the Spanish proverb, it occurred to me that, very often, the work we do (me and my clients) is exactly to travel this ‘distance’ between the talking and the doing. In many instances, the clients identify clearly the behaviours that will bring better results to their personal and professional lives. The real challenge is to implement the change. i.e. To move from the point A to the point B.

And how do we do this in our Transition Sessions? Well, we can spend some time exploring the source of these behaviours and the obstacles for the change, the focus, however, is always the ‘way forward‘. That is, to explore the drivers for change that a) are under your control b) can be implemented in the ‘here and now’ to achieve your desired outcome. Each person knows which are the most efficient approaches for his/her own style and circumstances. Sometimes, however, people may resist to move away from their ‘comfort zone’ and change old habits. That’s when the Transition Partner may have to give a ‘little push’ to provoke a change in perspective. This is done through reflection exercises (during the sessions), by recommending selected readings and also by applying the Personality Tests, that are efficient tools for self-knowledge and identification of development priorities.

To travel this distance between the ‘wanting to do something‘ and ‘actually doing it‘, a lot of discipline and determination are needed. My experience has shown that people must be prepared to face some discomfort along the way. The actions implemented (by the clients) in between sessions are, without any doubt, the major force that drives them ahead. Persistence is required but a good support network and celebrating the small (and big) victories fuels them with energy to keep going. I have also learned that each individual has his/her own pace and that the most important thing is not to quickly reach the destination. What is key is to keep moving ahead and learning along the way. That is, to travel the ‘distance‘ mentioned in the Spanish proverb can be enjoyable and a source of great discoveries and personal development. Let’s keep walking then!

Reading Tip: The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg