YWell: Immunity to Change
Steve Patty
YWell: Immunity to Change
Why is it hard to move forward in your growing edge? You may be really committed to progressing your growing edge but you are still feeling like there is still something weighing you down preventing you from moving forward. There are theorists out of Harvard University that uses the metaphor of immunity to describe this feeling. They describe an immune system that is activated that keeps us from changing. Consider how your commitment to move forward can be undermined by a competing commitment that holds you in place. For example, let’s say your growing edge is to be more courageous in your conversations. You may be committed to your growing edge and are taking the appropriate steps to move forward. However, you may also be committed to something that competes simultaneously, such as having people like you. You have one commitment to progress your growing edge but you have another commitment that conflicts and prevents you from moving forward in the way you want to be.
Before the next session:
Ask yourself what is your competing commitment that might be the counter veiling force holding you back from progress. Design some experiments in the space of your competing commitments. See how you feel after only focusing on your growing edge commitment. Were you able to endure it? The research says that if you do a series of experiments to see if you can endure the discomfort of your competing commitment, you will be able to have more control of each commitment and be able to move forward on your growing edge.
In partnership with the YMCA of Canada, Dr. Steve Patty is producing a Leadership and Personal Development Series, taking viewers through seven parts on how to grow and nurture your personal leadership. How do you maximize your ability to move forward on the things that really matter in your life? How do you lead yourself? In each of the seven episodes, Dr. Patty will walk you through one key idea and invite you to try an action step.
This page will help you think through these key ideas and action steps in order to get the most out of the series.
Start the Series from the Beginning
Subscribe, like, and comment to share your journey!