Final Assessment Guide_Change Management

Milestone Activity 1: Choose one of the three change strategies (ADKAR Change Model, The Switch Model, Kotter's Model )and apply it to an area of your life that you are seeking to change. It might be you want to lose weight, learn a new skill, or take your team through a change initiative. Apply the steps from one of the strategies and summarize how you think you (or others) would improve. 

Using Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model to Lose Weight

I have wanted to lose weight for a long time. But just saying, “I want to be healthy,” was not enough. I needed a plan. So, I followed Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model, which is a guide for making big changes. Even though it is used in business, it worked well for my personal life, too.

Step 1: Create a Sense of Urgency

This step means knowing why change is essential right now. I went to the doctor, and he told me I was gaining too much weight and that it could lead to problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. That scared me. I knew I couldn’t wait any longer. I had to start now or things could worsen (Kotter 3).

Step 2: Build a Team to Support You

I told my family and friends about my goal. I asked them to help me, and they did. My sister started walking with me, and my friend sent me healthy recipes. I also joined a Facebook group for people trying to lose weight. These people became my support system. Kotter says having others help you is very important when you want to make a significant change (Kotter 12).

Step 3: Make a Clear Plan

I set a goal to lose 20 pounds in 5 months. I planned to walk 5 days a week, drink more water, and eat fewer snacks. I kept track of my meals in a notebook. I did not try to change everything at once. I made small changes that I could stick to. A clear goal made it easier to follow through (Kotter 23).

Step 4: Get More People Involved

I started telling more people about my journey. Some of them even joined me. A few friends started walking, too. Others shared tips with me. I found that when others were trying to change, I felt stronger. I didn’t feel alone anymore. Kotter says this step helps the change spread (Kotter 34).

Step 5: Remove the Things That Stop You

There were things in my way. I used to snack late at night and eat fast food when tired. So, I stopped buying chips and soda. I also started cooking on Sundays for the week ahead. That way, I didn’t have to order food when busy. Removing these blocks helped me stay on track (Kotter 41).

Step 6: Celebrate Small Wins

After I lost 5 pounds, I bought a new water bottle. When I walked every day for a month, I treated myself to a movie. These small rewards made me feel proud. Kotter says that small wins keep you going and help you believe you can succeed (Kotter 52).

Step 7: Keep the Change Going

After a few months, I wanted to do more. I started lifting small weights and doing YouTube workouts. I also tried new healthy meals so I wouldn’t get bored. I talked to my support group often. Keeping things fresh helped me stay motivated (Kotter 63).

Step 8: Make It a Part of Your Life

Now, this change feels normal. I don’t think of it as a “diet” anymore. I live this way. I wake up and walk, I eat healthier, and I don’t feel like I’m missing out. I’ve also helped others in my family start their health journeys. This last step is about making the change part of who you are (Kotter 75).

Conclusion

Kotter’s change model helped me a lot. Each step guided me and made the big goal easier. I didn’t feel lost or give up because I had a clear path. If someone wants to make a significant change in life, this model can help.

Works Cited

Kotter, John P. Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press, 2012.