One thing in life is certain---change. Things never stay the same. If you are hoping for the status quo, then I'm afraid you will be disappointed. Just think back to how things were five years ago and you will realize that there is so very much that's already different in a very short time.
I'm sure there are some of you who know people who refused to adapt to the computer age. I still know some "old timers" who want to use word processors or even typewriters instead! Imagine. What is up with that?
Well, when change comes we have several options, some of which are more adaptive than others. Let's take a look at them.
The first option is to refuse to change or adapt to any new circumstances, just like the person who still uses a word processor. These are generally people who are afraid of change. I also think that underlying that fear is the fear of being inadequate. When change requires new learning, as it often does, some people don't think they will be able to master the new skills so it is easier to simply renounce the changes than adapt. The problem is that these are the people who are left in the dust.
The second possibility is the slow starter. These people usually start out in one of the first two mentioned roles---either refusing to change or anxiously running around trying to figure out what to do about it. They do not like change any more than the next person and they resist and resist until one day, they realize that the change may actually bring benefits. Once they see that there is a payoff for them, they fairly easily do the necessary things to adapt to the change.
A third possibility is what we see in the over anxious people in our midst. You know who they are. They are the ones who are always making mountains out of molehills and have a nervous energy about them whenever confronted with a novel situation. They imagine all the possible scenarios about what could occur and seem to just go around in circles. They don't adapt to the change; they just worry themselves sick over it.
The final and most rewarding possibility are the people who understand that change is a part of everything. When we stop evolving, we start eroding. These people welcome change, in fact, they frequently generate it. They realize that change is what makes things happen. Change propels us forward. These people are quick to make the necessary adaptations and suffer the least from the inevitable.
Do you recognize your own character in any of the above descriptions? Have you read Spencer Johnson's book, Who Moved My Cheese? This book is an excellent description of the four possible characters in the Change Game. In the book, the first character was a little person named Hem. Hem was afraid of change and believed it would make things worse. He avoided it at all costs. The second character was a mouse named, Scurry. Scurry ran around in circles, just attempting to do something, anything. Sometimes he was right, sometimes wrong but he was constantly in motion. The third character was a little person named Haw. Haw was slow to figure things out but eventually he adapted to the change and realized that the change could bring something better. However, the real winner was the mouse, Sniff. Sniff jumped into action early, sniffing out the terrain and making a choice on what to do next. He adapted the quickest.
Which character are you? Who would you like to be? What would you have to give up to be the character you really want to be? Would you like to make a plan right now to implement these changes into your life? It will require a commitment and a good plan.
This is where a coach can be helpful. When you identify an area in your life that requires some attention and you commit to making the necessary adjustments, it's strange how life gets in the way sometime and we revert back to our previous ways. A coach is someone who can keep you on track and pointed in the direction of your goals. A coach will support your progress and hold you accountable for the goals you set.
Visit www.coachingforexcellence.biz, go to the Free Stuff page and take the assessment called, Adaptation to Change.
Kim Olver has an undergraduate degree in psychology, a graduate degree in counseling, is a National Certified Counselor and is a licensed professional counselor. Since 1987, Kim has extensively studied the work of Dr. William Glasser's Choice Theory, Reality Therapy and Lead Management. She was certified in Reality Therapy in 1992 and continued her studies to become a certified instructor for the William Glasser Institute. She is an expert at empowering people to navigate the sometimes difficult course of life---teaching them how to get the most out of the circumstances life provides them. She offers free chats, assessments, a blog and an eZine, as well as workshops, teleclasses, e-courses, counseling and coaching. Visit her website at http://www.coachingforexcellence.biz or contact her at (708) 957-6047.
custom home cleaning Wilmette .."There is an infinitely worthier subject for philosophers (to study)... Read More
Everyone of us has the potential to successfully more through... Read More
Changing your mindset can have a significant impact on achieving... Read More
Using an opponent's force against them is the fundamental teaching... Read More
Philosophy of Forgiveness:The most powerful tool that human beings possess... Read More
John Ryder awakens feeling rested, refreshed, and sensing a calm... Read More
In the self-help and wellness industry, a mission has been... Read More
In order for you to make positive ground daily you... Read More
Our initial reaction when hitting a setback or a "roadblock,... Read More
Ever had a problem with doubts? Ever felt that nagging... Read More
If you work toward what you dream, the dream can... Read More
Fear is a double-edged sword. It can hold you back... Read More
Unhappy moods can be like comfortable sweaters, those old ones:... Read More
Uncle Liam was very kind to me again. He gave... Read More
Recently, I coached a young woman whom I'll call Mary... Read More
Before we are able to use the Universal Thought System... Read More
"It really works!" "Well, I'll be?!"BJ like so many others... Read More
How are you? Where do you get a positive attitude... Read More
One of the biggest potential problems we face with every... Read More
Decades ago, I saw a metaphysical movie that wonderfully illustrates... Read More
How would you like to stop feeling like your life... Read More
Our thoughts define who we are. They can make us... Read More
I heard these words from a client who had been... Read More
Your mindset is a strong factor in achieving any type... Read More
As I walked my dogs recently on what "should" have... Read More
same day cleaning service Morton Grove ..This is the age of the Quick Fix - the... Read More
Our lives are overflowing with negative information from the newspapers,... Read More
Getting motivated is sometimes easy enough to do, at least... Read More
"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude... Read More
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious."... Read More
Improving this single attitude makes your days fly by. You... Read More
In 1978, Erma Bombeck wrote a book entitled "The Grass... Read More
Near the end of December 2004, I received an email... Read More
Everything exists twice. First, in your mind. Later, before you... Read More
Attitude, has a way of preening itself, often without awareness... Read More
One Friday in November, I began a journey from New... Read More
Do you realize how good you have it? Yes, everyone... Read More
Imagine what your life would be like if you could... Read More
As I swooshed down the Zoom Flume water slide at... Read More
In order for you to make positive ground daily you... Read More
You may be facing a type of disappointment, frustration, loss,... Read More
I loved Norman Vincent Peale's, Power of Positive Thinking as... Read More
Part 1Recently, in a women's therapy group that I run,... Read More
P.M.A - so what is it? Some people will automatically... Read More
You know, very often, the manner in which a person... Read More
Wahms, do you constantly compare yourself with others and come... Read More
ARE YOU IN... OR OUT?Are you in or out of... Read More
Before we are able to use the Universal Thought System... Read More
There is a growing volume of research that shows' staying... Read More
There is a wonderful story about the famous escape artist,... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |