Start vs Stop

One fine day, a friend of mine and I were discussing about how to facilitate effective change within organisations. At the time, I was working with him to facilitate change management in non-profit entities involved in humanitarian and community development work. 

Coming from a business background, I was familiar with the SWOT Analysis process in aiding companies to identify their internal and external factors that would make them succeed. He then shared with me another very direct tool that he was using at the time. He calls it Start vs Stop. With the Start vs Stop, he guides conversations with the participants towards what it is they must start doing to achieve their goals. Conversely, they should also identify what it is, that they must stop doing that gets in the way of achieving their desired goals. 

I was reminded of this tool during my personal reflections based on a decision I made a couple of weeks ago. It took me a months to make this decision. In the moment of making this decision, it felt the right thing to do. And it is still does feel right. But because I am curious to delve deeper to understand how I got here, I recalled: Start vs Stop!

As Coaches,  we undergo rigorous training to facilitate conversations by skillfully asking questions and active listening. I also have great Coaches who support me to grow in my profession and Coaching practice. This has helped me to reflect frequently on the journey of my personal growth and development. 

My Coaches help me in achieving goals faster than I would have done on my own in the various areas of my life that need my attention. In my recent reflections I am asking myself questions, such as: 

“What must I Start doing?” 

“What must I Stop doing?”

“What am I saying Yes to?”

“What am I saying No to?” 

These are empowering questions when answered with honesty and sincerity. It is interesting what one can learn about themselves when they take the time to be curious. At the end of the day, at any level of our lives, we have an inherent desire to make progress. 

Question is: How best can one get to the results that one is seeking for? As one writer aptly states: “To start making progress, you must stop making excuses.”  Another quote that I found interesting says: “Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being excited about what could go right!”

Today we start the month of May 2024. As the year progresses, it is useful to look back and see how far you have come. In case you are happy with your progress, well and good. It is possible that you have been lucky to have all your ducks in row and that all is going well. But there are also many people who are struggling to stay on track. Wouldn’t  this be an appropriate time  to ponder using the tool: Start vs Stop?