# The Indispensable Role of Desire in Behavioral Change
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Understanding the Foundation of Change
The journey to achieving any goal begins with a strong desire, as Napoleon Hill famously stated. When contemplating personal behavioral changes, the challenge appears daunting; however, effecting change within organizations is a far more intricate task.
To transition from the current state to a desired one, every individual within an organization must embrace change. The cumulative effect of individual transformations ultimately shapes the organization as a whole. The crux of the matter lies in the fact that change must be motivated by a genuine desire. But what exactly is desire?
Desire is a profound feeling of wanting or wishing for something to occur. If individuals are content with the status quo, no amount of incentive or coercion will instigate change. A true desire stems from a dissatisfaction with existing circumstances, fostering a mindset that embraces change. Without this intrinsic motivation, change remains unattainable.
One cannot impose change on oneself, nor can it be forced upon others—be it a partner, child, colleague, or employee. As Dan Millman notes, if the desire for transformation is not robust, both mind and body are likely to revert to familiar patterns.
Prosci, a leading organization in change management, emphasizes the essential role of desire as one of the five primary catalysts for personal transformation. Change often ignites when individuals recognize a compelling need for it.
The Challenge of Change: A Case Study
The Netflix series "High Waters" poignantly illustrates the absence of desire for change. Set in 1997, it chronicles the catastrophic floods that struck Poland. In a bid to mitigate the impending disaster, authorities decided to dismantle the embankments at Kety, but the residents vehemently opposed this action. Their unwillingness to abandon the lands and homes inherited from their ancestors stemmed from a complete lack of motivation to change. Consequently, Poland faced its most significant disaster since World War II.
Even when the advantages of changing certain behaviors are evident, people are adept at devising excuses to resist transformation. Increased awareness about the necessity for change does not guarantee a corresponding desire for it. A personal conviction is crucial; otherwise, many would already be financially secure, given the wealth of knowledge available on financial literacy. If awareness alone were sufficient to inspire change, discussions surrounding climate change would not persist nearly eight decades later.
Fostering the Desire for Change
Desire is fundamentally a personal choice, one that lies solely in an individual’s hands. While we can influence the decisions of our children, friends, or family, ultimately, it is up to them to choose. Similarly, each of us must make our own individual choices regarding our actions.
BJ Fogg’s behavioral change model highlights the significance of desire and motivation in facilitating change. It is considerably easier to embrace change when it stems from genuine desire rather than coercion. Therefore, why not focus on habits you've already decided to modify? Whether your goal is to eat healthily, be more present in relationships, start a business, save, or invest, take advantage of small habits and actionable prompts to help you embark on your journey.
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