The secret: second-order change

lisa811

I've learned recently about "first-order" vs. "second-order" change. This is the key to changing any part of your life, including weight-loss/getting healthy.

I believe the reason most people fail, or gain everything back later, is they never get past making it a first-order change. Below is the gist of it, borrowed from The National Academy for Academic Leadership. SO...WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR YOU TO MAKE THIS NEW LIFESTYLE A SECOND-ORDER CHANGE???

First- and Second-Order Change

* First-order change is doing more – or less – of something we are already doing. First-order change is always reversible.
* Second-order change is deciding – or being forced – to do something significantly or fundamentally different from what we have done before. The process is irreversible: once you begin, it is impossible to return to the way you were doing before.

The characteristics of first- and second-order change

* First-order change
o Adjustments within the existing structure
o Doing more or less of something
o Reversible
o Restoration of balance (homeostasis)
o Non-transformational
o New learning is not required
o Old story can still be told
* Second-order change
o New way of seeing things
o Shifting gears
o Irreversible
o Often begins through the informal system
o Transformation to something quite different
o Requires new learning
o New story is told

CrystalT

Great post!!

acureese

Nice! Thanks for sharing!

CasperO

Great way of putting it. I've thought about it in those terms, but never expressed it so clearly. Thank you.

* Second-order change
o New way of seeing things
(Wow - my old diet sucked! I'm lucky to be alive)
o Shifting gears
(I can't do that anymore, I didn't feel good)
o Irreversible
(I don't want to go back, I feel better)
o Often begins through the informal system
(Ok,,, not for me. MFP logging and calorie control is one of the most "formal" and regimented things I've ever done)
o Transformation to something quite different
(Big salad, small steak, bicycle ride - in place of - No salad, chicken wings, Tv on couch)
o Requires new learning
(Am now conscious of everything that goes in the pie hole,,, constantly a "running tallly")
o New story is told
(I'm not fat anymore! I feel great! I never have to be fat again!)

pinbotchick

I am not sure how I got there but I must be in the second stage. I see food very differently now. Thanks for a great post.

PS Casper - you make me smile:bigsmile:

DeeDeeLHF

Lisa, this was awesome! I love the part about not being reversible. I hope so!! I am always afraid that I will go back to my old ways and gain the weight back.

D

aippolito1

I definitely agree that it's irreversible. I've been on this lifestyle change now for 4 whole months, going on my 5th month at the start of May and I never want to go back! Of course every now and then I eat junk food but I never want to eat JUST crap or NOT exercise because I feel amazing and I'm seeing results! I love this!! :happy:

runnin0nbravado

This is a phenomenal concept and really something to think about. Hopefully all of us here can make this a second-order change!