Emotions the drive change

For years I’ve carried, on a little card in my day planner, John Kotter’s lists of emotions that drive change and emotions that stall change.

I mentioned this card before, but didn’t list the emotions.

Do what you can to live the emotions that drive change, and though those around you are mired in the emotions that stall change, you will succeed.

Think of the emotions that drive change like a rising tide.  As John F. Kennedy said:

A rising tide floats all boats.”

Emotions that drive change:

• Faith
• Trust
• Optimism
• Urgency
• Reality-based pride
• Passion
• Excitement
• Hope
• Enthusiasm

Emotions that stall change:

• Anger
• False pride
• Pessimism
• Arrogance
• Cynicism
• Panic
• Exhaustion
• Insecurity
• Anxiety

If you want to read more, check out John Kotter’s Heart of Change (p. 180 in the hardcover).