ADKAR Framework

Make change happen

The ADKAR framework.

Developed by Jeff Hiatt, the founder of Prosci, a top change management research firm.

ADKAR is an acronym that defines the five main objectives that an individual must attain.

Awareness Desire Knowledge Ability Reinforcement

Awareness

The first step is to become aware of the need for change in your life

This could be recognizing an area you want to improve, such as your health, relationships, career or personal growth.

Ask yourself questions:

• What's not working in my life right now?
• What do I need to change to achieve my goals?

Desire

Desire is cultivating the motivation and desire to change.

Ask yourself questions:

• How bad do I want it?
• Am I willing to sacrifice leisure time to achieve my goal?

Knowledge

To successfully implement change, you need the knowledge and skills.

Ask yourself questions:

• What books can I read to improve?
• Are there any seminars or audio recordings available to instruct me?

Ability

Knowledge alone is insufficient; you must have the ability to use what you've learned.

Ability is putting theory into practice.

Put your knowledge into action by establishing precise goals and developing a step-by-step plan.

Ask yourself questions:

• How can I apply what I've learned?
• What can I do today that will leave an impact tomorrow?

Reinforcement

Establish an atmosphere that defends change from relapsing into old patterns.

Reinforcement is guaranteeing it becomes a lasting part of your life.

Ask yourself questions:

• How can I maintain my new habits?
• How can I prevent myself from falling back into old habits?