Incremental Changes
Incremental changes are
generally improvements to yourself that go along your natural performance characteristics.
A faster walk, more sleep, more focus, etc. that can all be classified as
incremental changes. There´s seemingly a tacit assumption that incremental changes,
are not where the "real" changes are.
Radical Changes
Radical changes are new ways
of doing things, that are substantially different than the old ways things were
done. A new memory, taking on a
personality or a new way of looking at the world, becoming more or less
religious, etc. might all be classified as radical changes. Many people talk
about radical changes as though they are the (unspoken) goal of change.
Sustaining Changes
Sustaining changes can be
either incremental OR radical changes. This is an important point; if a change can
be either of the two, it cannot be synonymous with incremental change.
Sustaining changes are improvements that improve performance along
predetermined measures of performance.
Disruptive Changes
Disruptive changes, however,
typically address issues that many of your close friends and family do not
currently value.
Why It Matters
Understanding the
differences between incremental, radical, sustaining, and disruptive changes
has useful applications.
If you want to bring about
change in yourself or in others, the differences between the terms can also be
used to plan how to approach others who can help you change. Knowing the difference
can also guide what you ask for to make the project a success.
