Overcome Resistance and Overturn Roadblocks By Appreciating Your Assets.

Asset-Based Thinking works wonders in both good and bad situations….and this is especially true when one is trying to affect change and be a change agent. When things are going well and changes are being embraced it’s easier to notice what’s working, appreciate the resources around us and enlist allies and advocates. Scanning for and appreciating assets in good times and situations is simpler, since most of the assets available to us are visible and “on the surface”. When we encounter resistance to change and things go off track these difficulties alter the landscape, change our field of vision and usually cause three things to happen.

1.  Deficits and problems roll in like a dense fog and overshadow assets and potential.

2.  We feel compelled to be vigilant 24/7 to avoid problems, anticipate other points of resistance and are doggedly diligent in fixing and overcoming them.

3. Our horizons shorten and possibilities and potential tend to fade out of sight.

While these are perfectly natural  reactions, they unfortunately usually lead us down a bumpy path of deficit based thinking.  Of course, some degree of vigilance and “problem solving” actions are essential in both good and tough times or when change is being embraced or resisted. But, tough times and resistance can always be weathered better by going down the smoother road of Asset-Based Thinking. It’s a choice we all can make and all it takes is a shift in mindset and a little ABT activity.

Mindset Shift – When things are not going well, notice and appreciate what is working while working to turn things around.

ABT Activity = “Create your own Asset Inventory.”

Here’s an example of things that can go into your Asset Inventory:

Personal Assets: your purpose, passion, compassion, resilience, courage, integrity, skills, subject matter expertise, commitment, creativity, ethics……

Relational Assets: collaboration, connectivity, family-ties, empathy, friendship, mutual respect, proteges, motivation, innovation, mentors, mutual commitment….

Situational Assets: challenges that could lead to breakthrough solutions, setbacks that will promote new standards of performance, mistakes that will offer new insights and learning, roadblocks that will inspire innovation, closed doors that will spawn mastery of new skills…..

So, next time you find yourself at a crossroads, especially in tough times or in the face of stiff resistance, pick the ABT path and stick to it. You will definitely like where it leads you.

Hank Wasiak