If I say the word "CHANGE" how do you feel? Most people remain fearful, anxious and uncomfortable with change, despite it being a driving issue in our society. It appears that no matter how much experience we have it doesn't get any easier.
Gaining a level of understanding that allows you to be productive, creative and flexible with your own life as well as helping others handle change is key to succeeding in today's ever-changing world.
Follow these 10 steps to help you cope with the transitions in your life:
1. Recognise that things DO change
Nothing is forever. Neither the good, nor the bad. You will be much less frustrated if you accept the change and decide to manage it, rather than desperately try and cling onto the way things used to be.
2. Pinpoint the specific change you are going through
Because any change has a number of implications in different areas of our lives, we tend to generalise the change we are going through. Stay focussed on one aspect of the change by identifying what you are most afraid of losing as a result of this change and then understanding why that loss is uncomfortable. For example, a new computer system may mean you will no longer feel competent. Feeling incompetent is a very different issue than fighting new technology, and can be easily addressed with training.
3. Accept the loss factor
Admit to yourself that regardless of whether or not you experience this particular change as 'good' or 'bad', there will be a sense of loss. This is the 'better the devil you know' scenario that leads us to put up with a situation we know isn't good for us. Clearly define the change and recognise the areas of your life that will not change as a result.
4. Seek valid information
You will doubt the facts and struggle to believe anything you hear, see or feel about the change. Write down what information you need to know and who can provide you with that data. Ask straight questions, remain open to views that may be different to your own and listen to what you are being told.
5. Take action
Now that you have information, kick-start some forward momentum by taking both physical and mental action. Focus on taking the first baby step by setting priorities, committing to someone else what you will achieve and by when, and exercise (even if it's only a 15 minute walk each day).
6. Recognise the Danger Zone
There comes a point where we choose to move on with the change and discover the opportunities it brings, or to give in to the fear of the unknown and remain fearful, anxious and in denial. Recognise that this normal, and don't allow yourself to succumb. Increasing your small, regular action steps will help you keep that forward momentum going.
7. Make a decision
All the information you gathered may seem overwhelming. To avoid analysis paralysis set yourself a deadline for making a decision and do whatever it takes - even if you resort to flipping a coin! The secret to this is to break big decisions down into small, bite-sized chunks and work on one at a time. This way, decisions are easily reversible.
8. Identify the benefits
All change has some benefits. A divorce can give us the opportunity to have control of the remote, a new job could teach us new skills and starting your own business can provide you with the chance to follow your passion. Understand what the benefits of the change are and recognise them for the great gifts they bring you.
9. Change? What Change?
I promise there will come a time when you stop looking at the 'change' as something different. You will have integrated its challenges and victories into your life and will now feel more stable and open to what the future may hold. Remember everything you have learned for the next exciting, exhilarating and, oh ok, scary change.
10. Identify a change partner
Change is a constant in today's society that you will go through many times in many different situations. Finding a change partner who is committed to encouraging you and supporting you will make the whole experience less scary and probably speedier. This may be a coach who can remain dispassionate, hold the mirror up to your fears and hold onto your highest goals. Or it might be a colleague at work who can help you see both sides of a situation.
Visit atlantic coaching for your copy of The Locator to find out exactly where in the cycle of change you are. Sarah Steele MBA, founder of Atlantic Coaching (atlantic coaching), works globally with high-achieving professionals who, although successful in their career, aren't as successful as they'd like in other areas of their life. Specialising in helping clients get crystal clear about exactly how they want their life to look, something many struggle with, our clients learn how to say "no" graciously, freeing up precious time and space for the things they really want to say yes to. Ultimately, it is through more conscious choices and effective systems that our clients quickly enjoy greater control and experience more success without sacrificing professional achievements. Sarah is an empowering coach, speaker and trainer with more than a decade of global business experience. Combining deep capabilities in communication, change and emotional intelligence, Sarah brings a globally savvy touch to all her work.
efficient cleaning crew Northbrook ..Do you ever find yourself thinking, "Life has taught me... Read More
What do you do when things in your life don't... Read More
In the latest and final Star Wars saga, Anakin Skywalker... Read More
Our thoughts define who we are. They can make us... Read More
Thinkers know better than to be racist. It's generally understood... Read More
Before we are able to use the Universal Thought System... Read More
Once upon a time, I was a vibrant, youthful teenager...My... Read More
How are you? Where do you get a positive attitude... Read More
Quote of the week:"Of all the attitudes we can acquire,... Read More
There are always explanations for why things to you or... Read More
There are only two emotions we can experience; love or... Read More
The Alchemists of old worked over many years, centuries, in... Read More
"In life, if you give yourself a concession, you'd take... Read More
Have you ever read that you should think positively when... Read More
I get emails and questions from people all the time... Read More
By definition,an affirmation is a statement repeated time and again... Read More
Music penetrates our mental barriers and influences the deepest areas... Read More
Did you ever run into that person that just nags... Read More
As I swooshed down the Zoom Flume water slide at... Read More
The world is going downhill faster than an Olympic skier.... Read More
The others in the raft didn't seem to share Eddie's... Read More
"At birth, a baby's brain contains 100 billion neurons, roughly... Read More
? Make a list of all your accomplishments in life... Read More
If you work toward what you dream, the dream can... Read More
Woe is me... life has dealt me a bad hand...... Read More
cleaning lady near Wilmette ..So how do we find meaning? The first step is... Read More
I was always somebody who felt quite sorry for myself,... Read More
In talking with a coaching client recently, she made a... Read More
Looking for a bit more mindfulness in your daily life?... Read More
Yuk!One thing, I really have a problem with is criticism.... Read More
There are times in all of our lives where our... Read More
We all know them. We all have somebody like them... Read More
The mind absolutely amazes me. It will never be understood,... Read More
If you are a parent, it is up to you... Read More
One of the first things that I work on with... Read More
So, is this really where you thought you'd be? You're... Read More
There are times that we encounter fearful thoughts that can... Read More
Discover how easy it is to improve your relationships. The... Read More
Well you know about the young hero who saved his... Read More
Many of you may look at my title and wonder... Read More
Many people would say that it is absolute madness to... Read More
Are you a person who loves challenges, or hates them?... Read More
I've yet to meet the person who never struggles with... Read More
One of things that Charismatic people share is an unshakeable... Read More
The most dangerous thing is illusion. ~ Ralph Waldo EmersonFailure... Read More
"Most overnight successes are just plain lucky. Just ask any... Read More
I am often astounded at what and why people believe... Read More
When you change your thoughts, you change your life. The... Read More
We all need encouragement. Even the most callous, hard headed... Read More
Have you ever read that you should think positively when... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |