Change Archetypes and You

The Changing World

The world is changing and not just the seasons. There is so much change in our world, it is the only constant. Waves of change hit us every day. The need for it is being led more and more each day by technology, business, activists, and politicians alike. Being in the change is key not only for your future well-being, but for the world’s and for those around you.

It is hard, though. Human nature is to resist change. Accepting that things can’t stay the same means not knowing what is to come and stepping out of your comfort zone. How do you learn to grow and evolve within this change? To start, learning about who you are and the ways in which you can personally lead change, adapt to it, and embrace it is something you can do right now.

The quiz, “What is Your Archetype for Change?”, can help you learn about this and more. First, let’s talk about what an archetype is before we go any further learning about the different types.

An Archetype is, in short, a category in which people can fit based on behavior. Often, it is behavior that has been absorbed based on the collection of the same behaviors. It isn’t necessarily mimicking, but it is like absorbing a group of characteristics that enable certain actions and reactions. In this instance, it is going to be looked at in relation to change.

The Five Change Archetypes

First, let’s look at the 5 different types of change archetypes, along with examples of people who resemble these traits.

The Alchemist

The Alchemist’s purpose in life can be understood with the phrase “to make dreams come true.” To transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. The Alchemist is successful when serving as a catalyst for change, turning problems into opportunities, reframing difficulties, empowering others, and creating win/win solutions for all. Examples of Alchemists are Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, and Harry Potter

The Nurture

Nurturers are driven to do the work that they care about, whether it is on a small scale or a larger one. They are moved by compassion and empathy and they are highly protective. Social change is something a nurturer will focus on. What they do must connect to their values which they want to give back to those they love, work with, and are surrounded by. A Nurturer cares about the communities they are associated with and they wish to better them as best they can.

Examples of Nurturers are Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, and Princess Diana.

The Creator

The Creator’s purpose in life can be understood with the quote by George Bernard Shaw, “Life isn’t about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself.” Your connectedness and sense of well-being as a person comes from your passion–you’re an artist at heart. The creator’s purpose in life is to see new ideas take shape and to see that visions are realized. A creator also drives change through re-imagination driven by a deep desire to make something different than it is. A creator is creative at problem-solving, able to see opportunities, has bursts of inspiration, and they love complexity. All contributors to driving change.

Examples of Creators are Andy Warhol and Martha Stewart

 
The Explorer

Naturally independent, the explorer can help others to feel free and able to be themselves instead of conforming. Seeking out new ideas is the focus of the explorer. They push boundaries and delight in discovering the unexpected. Searching for new experiences allows them to lead a more authentic life as they are constantly seeking self-realization. They not only explore the world and ideas, they are also exploring themselves. The ability to bring change through innovation and ambition is just one facet of the explorer. They are also able to do all they can to reach a goal once they’ve set their mind to it. A natural high achiever, they have unwavering optimism as they continue to succeed.

Examples of Explorers are: Richard Branson, Steve Irwin, Indiana Jones

The Maverick

The Maverick has an appreciation for the unconventional and thrives on making waves to upset the status quo and societal pressures and beliefs. They don’t conform to trends and are often breaking with convention and tradition, not wishing to be boxed into one stereotype. As an unconventional thinker, they often create new, cutting-edge ways of doing something. The maverick is driven to create change through diversity, disruption, challenging authority, and breaking the rules. The unique challenge they face is coming up with a creative and dynamic way of bringing about change and harnessing your power.

Examples of Mavericks are Bob Dylan and Madonna

Why is Change Needed?

As stated, the only constant in life is change. How we manage change will determine how satisfied we are in life. Even if we resist it, we can’t stop change from happening around us. It’s often tempting to try and avoid it and stay in our “comfort zone.” However, if we can find the courage to embrace and lead change, we are able to take control and manage our lives.

In Eastern thinking, the process of change and impermanence is an integral part of existence. All suffering in life is the result of ignorance of this basic reality. Therefore, embracing or leading change can provide you with many benefits including personal growth, being open to opportunities, problem-solving, flexibility, and promoting visionary thinking.

Every single person is different and will elicit change in their own way, or they may try to resist and avoid it. As an individual, you need to understand how you manage change. Understanding your change archetype is a great first step. Though being an alchemist, nurturer, creator, explorer, or maverick isn’t the most important thing to learn, it certainly is a wonderful start to your own changing world and self.