How does Change Work?

It's every social worker's dream for a client to walk through their door and say, "I'm ready and willing to change. I have no objections." It's also every social worker's dream to have an unlimited amount of resources and an abundance of funds at their fingertips. But that's neither here nor there. As social workers, it is our role and responsibility to assist our clients with setting and accomplishing goals. Some goals may be voluntary, some goals may be involuntary. However, almost all goals almost always involves change. Change is inevitable, but growth is optional.

Think about what some of the things you want to change. Do you want to change your nail polish? What about your hair color? How about the tile on your bathroom floor? Do you want to change your address? Maybe you thought about changing your profession. Or how about changing your relationship status? Whether it is a want or a need, change is something we think about constantly. We just have to make a conscious effort to do so. Socrates once said, "the secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. Change is not easy, but the process is oh so worth it.

I challenge you to take time for change. Take a minute to gather your thoughts, some paper, and a pen. Then take a minute to grab some wine, water, or whatever you prefer. Write down the things you want to change and the things you need to change. Once you've created your list, focus on one "change goal" you want to make. Place your "change goal" somewhere in your house as a reminder of the change you want and need to make. Every time you get closer to your change goal, write it in a journal. Every time you take a step backwards from your change goal, write it in a journal. Change is not easy and you will make mistakes. But the initial step is the desire and want to change. Once you take that first step, you're on your way.