By Darrel L. Hammon
Over the last several years, the word “transformation” has become more commonplace (ubiquitous) in our vernacular, although its etymology in the English language emerged around 1400 A.D. It comes from Old French transformation, transformacion, and directly from Church Latin transformationem (nominate transforatio). (Also see Etymology of "transformation" by etymonline).
Many of us become overwhelmed by the notion that we must do things that transform us. So, what are those processes, practices and activities that can help us transform and step up our change game? I would like to share five principles that have helped many people I know on this journey—including me.
1. Seek the best information possible and implement it.
Often, we do not engage in enough research to make the best and most appropriate decisions. I have seen people make rash decisions who are ultimately disappointed with their outcomes. I’ve watched others make decisions based on sound data and information and still experience disappointment; however, they often ultimately enjoy great successes. The difference between these two scenarios is: Those who makes rash decisions do not circle back and put in the time to discover the best way to achieve a better outcome. On the other hand, when those committed to doing the research are not satisfied with results, they typically say to themselves: “I need to put in more time in researching and coming up with a better conclusion.” They do not rush on; rather, they elevate their efforts to determine a different way around obstacles to success.
2. Develop an appropriate plan.
We are all planners at some level—although some of us do not plan well or our plans don’t encompass all the parameters needed. A good plan is always comprised of appropriate goals, and, most importantly, solid strategies that define exactly how to get there. Plus, we need to include “the resources” it will take to get there. Resources can come from many sources, while strategies may change along the way because we hit a dead end or a fork in the road that leads to a better strategy. Moreover, resources should include the right people who can help us along the way.
One of the final ingredients here is clean and encompassing “assessments” that can propel us to rethink goals/strategies/resources to produce better outcomes. This rethinking is called “next steps.”
3. Associate with people who embrace transformation.
In undergraduate school, I heard the phrase: “You are the product of the company you keep.” I liked it so much that it became one the quotes I shared at the bottom of my email signature—and I still use it today in coaching and leadership consulting. It’s important to choose friends who make good choices; move along their paths in successful ways; elevate how they see things in the real world; and practice being generous, gracious, and genuine. Our friends and colleagues should help us evolve and grow—not hold us back from where we want to go.
4. Make choices that lead to transformation.
If there is one principle that must be followed, it is choosing the appropriate paths that lead to transformation. Often, these choices may not be the most popular ones. They may be 180 degrees different than the way we have been going. As a result, these decisions will be challenging—but making the difficult choices will help us with our transformation journey. Strategic choices will always help us move forward, elevate us to where we can more clearly see the path before us, and propel us to make even better decisions.
5. Leave behind that which does not serve.
As already mentioned, “You are the product of the company you keep.” The way we act or perform, the choices we make, the habits we have formed in life, etc., may not elevate us to the next level of success.
Some time ago, I heard a story about two people walking along the beach who saw a man separating crabs into two groups. One group of crabs went into a bucket without a lid and the other group was placed in a bucket with a lid. The couple watched for a moment, and they asked the man: “What is the difference between the two types of crabs in the buckets? They look the same to us.”
The man stopped what he was doing, looked at them, and said: “The bucket without a lid is full of crabs that don’t like to see their pals climb out of the bucket to freedom. If one of them tries to crawl out, the others just reach up and pull it back in. The other bucket has a lid because they all want to crawl out, and they literally will help each other.”
The “open bucket crabs” in our lives can be habits, choices, friends, and other distractions that will not allow us to break free of limitations; they will pull us back into the abyss from which there is no escape. We must leave behind all that does not elevate us to the heights we want to go. We must find those who will help us out and then continue to help and support us along the way.
The Bottom Line
In essence, transformation is not a single act; instead, it is a series of intentional actions—choices—that propel us forward down a path of constant and consistent advancement in our lives, thoughts, and actions. Yes, it takes time. Yes, it requires us to make difficult choices and life-alternating changes. Yes, it necessitates eliminating habits and distractions. But ultimately, we transform into better and healthier human beings in all aspects of life.
Transformation Coaching Magazine, September 2025
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