Recently I attended a seminar on 'Boundaries of Change'. Interesting topic to ponder about regarding change and when to change. Change is constant but do we always need to change or when is the right time to change? What makes us change?
Interestingly, a point mentioned was that change is directly related to one's attitude and age. To effect change in oneself, it boils down to one's attitude to determine the need to change and the motivational factor to change in adaptation to the changing environment. Another point brought across was that as one ages, one would become steadily more resistant to influence.
Consider this, how many times have we attempted to change ourselves to suit the norm, to conform to pressure for we do not want to be outcast by the group. To a certain extent, when we are so immersed in a group that we tend to behave like what other group members behave. Do we call this a purposeful change or situational change? The difference between these two lies in the consciousness of one when there is sign of behavioural change. For example, when we talk about purposeful change, an individual is aware why the change is needed and the motivational factor(s) that causes the change. The goals and direction are very clear to the individual that spur the need for change to take place. However, situational change could possibly result in loss of one's identity that he/she is caught unaware that change in behaviour is taking place.
You could term situational change as deindividuation which refers to 'a loss of personal identity and a sense of immersion in a group: people feel anonymous and can be caught up in the actions of those around them'. However, certain change in behaviour may not be appropriate to be seen as deindividuation depending on the context. A common behavioural change evidently shown could be the effect of imprisonment. To a certain extent, prisons can induce deindividuation on one. Their behaviour could range from good to worst depending on the clique that they mingle with. In this case, it could be viewed as a situational change, yet not permanent, to suit the group dynamic.
Nevertheless, change has to come from within, that is, attitude. It is always good to have purposeful change but at times, circumstances do not allow us to gain full control of our behaviour.
