5 steps to a Conversation of Change

I love conversations of change. Adore them. Cherish them. Regardless of the precipitating event it seems like there is always opportunity for opportunity, healing, construction and inspiration. Rebirth, regeneration and renewal.Glass half full? I'm not sure - maybe it's a survival mechanism for having a glass half empty?2010 was an interesting year for me - I ran two formal Conversation of Change retreats (end of 2009) and early 2010. I started my Conversation of Change page on FB and initiated a fortnightly Change Nugget email series. I had a few Conversations of Change coaching clients. And that was all fab - really happy with both how they went and the outcomes and the learnings.But some of the most exciting Conversations of Change were informal and well, "pro-bono".Initiated by people who were at either career junctions (some forced, some self initiated), or those starting new businesses and looking for input on how to build / launch or make bigger.I'm not sure I am going to have as much time to catch up for coffee / lunch and help people out informally this year. I'll be saving that time for the paid clients. So in the spirit of being helpful to those who want the coffees  / lunches but don't have the capacity to be a Conversations of Change client here are some thoughts on how to self-pace your conversation of change.1) Fear paralyses the ability to see opportunities or your world in a different way. Fear can be a useful quality, it protects us and keeps us safe. Sometimes. But when amplified by uncertainty it constrains us. So write all of your fears down. Acknowledge them. They are real. And then literally put that piece of paper in the freezer or a drawer. For now. You can check in with them later.2) Start with an unwavering belief in your potential. Treat yourself like a trusted colleague - the one that you really do believe in. Speak to yourself in that voice, that tone that says "I got your back, you can do anything you really want to do".3) Have the courage to challenge the assumptions that are limiting you. When thinking about your options you will come across roadblocks. Ask yourself why do I assume this will be the case. And then ask yourself, why do I believe that?4) Entertain the prospect of possibility. Capture the glimmers of hope, optimism, vision in writing or image. Write about them in future tense. See which ones resonate. Which ones make you tingly?5) Develop your practical first steps. Don't worry if you don't have the whole step by step plan, go as far as you can and tick them off. Once you are there repeat step 2 - 5.I hope this is useful - would love to hear of any additional steps you use yourself or with others. May all your conversations in 2011 be productive, fulfilling and lead to joy and contentment.