Thanks for sharing your stuckness. Surfacing our own systemic patterns is part of systems work. Many of us would rather work ‘out there’ than ‘in here’. Three offers from me (1) consider a ‘How might we encourage …?’ frame rather than a ‘What stops …’ frame. Notice if there is any difference in your mindset, energy, etc. Does this give more of a future, curiosity and possibility glint? (2) What about ‘in Aotearoa?’ as a narrowing in (3) How about starting with an actor map rather than cause and effect systems map which would indeed be overwhelming. I have an actor map of climate action in Aotearoa I’m happy to share for you to build on.
Kia ora Abbie. I love this blog and it's just what I needed to hear. Systems change is so hard, and acknowledgement that it's hard (from someone as awesome as you) is really helpful. Once the many parties that need to be involved in order to have system change understand this, it becomes easier to accept and move forward in a messy way. Personally I'm still finding myself needing to do practical little things that help me cope with system change complexity. I know its just addressing symptoms not the cause, but it helps motivate. Climate change almost feels like the ultimate in systems - but we got this......(because we have to have it). We shared this in our Philanthropy NZ newsletter today as I know your wise and raw words will resonate with many philanthropic funders looking for system change. Keep blogging please - and this one was worth the wait :-)
Kia ora Abbie. I enjoyed reading your post and it sounds like you've been doing all the right things to progress your thinking. As I was reading I got an image in my mind of you drawing to get 'unstuck'. Drawing might not be the key to unlock this for you, but I wonder if trying a different medium or activity could be (e.g. walking in nature). I reckon you're near to the break through. Good luck! Ngā mihi. Clare
Kia Ora Abbie
Thanks for sharing your stuckness. Surfacing our own systemic patterns is part of systems work. Many of us would rather work ‘out there’ than ‘in here’. Three offers from me (1) consider a ‘How might we encourage …?’ frame rather than a ‘What stops …’ frame. Notice if there is any difference in your mindset, energy, etc. Does this give more of a future, curiosity and possibility glint? (2) What about ‘in Aotearoa?’ as a narrowing in (3) How about starting with an actor map rather than cause and effect systems map which would indeed be overwhelming. I have an actor map of climate action in Aotearoa I’m happy to share for you to build on.
Kia ora Abbie. I love this blog and it's just what I needed to hear. Systems change is so hard, and acknowledgement that it's hard (from someone as awesome as you) is really helpful. Once the many parties that need to be involved in order to have system change understand this, it becomes easier to accept and move forward in a messy way. Personally I'm still finding myself needing to do practical little things that help me cope with system change complexity. I know its just addressing symptoms not the cause, but it helps motivate. Climate change almost feels like the ultimate in systems - but we got this......(because we have to have it). We shared this in our Philanthropy NZ newsletter today as I know your wise and raw words will resonate with many philanthropic funders looking for system change. Keep blogging please - and this one was worth the wait :-)
Kia ora Abbie. I enjoyed reading your post and it sounds like you've been doing all the right things to progress your thinking. As I was reading I got an image in my mind of you drawing to get 'unstuck'. Drawing might not be the key to unlock this for you, but I wonder if trying a different medium or activity could be (e.g. walking in nature). I reckon you're near to the break through. Good luck! Ngā mihi. Clare