This Season of Change is the New Normal

Yes, change happens; it’s inevitable and part of the process of living. Few things remain the same.  Change can be positive or negative. The only thing you can do is to learn how to cope with and to manage it when it appears.

The world of work has drastically changed how and where work is done due to businesses making decisions for their survival, which usually is beyond your control. It is likely that your personal lifestyle has seen changes in your environment, sources of entertainment, and socialization.

Even positive changes like long-awaited vacations, a move to a new and better home, or a better job can affect your outlook and comfort level. Yes, it’s scary because change is fraught with unknown factors that throw us off-kilter.

Harnessing your personal power and personal courage to seek out and discern the changes you want in your life can be like wrestling a slippery “beast” — difficult to pin down.

Imagine being able to skillfully manage change with confidence. There are steps you could put in place to accomplish that goal, but it requires introspection, impartial assessment of situations, action strategies, assembling resources, support systems, and persistence. Imagine creating a new future for you.

First, get clear on your capabilities and motivations.

Here is the secret; people who have self-knowledge also have greater self-confidence. You need confidence to manage change calmly and skillfully. When you have self-confidence, you can face new challenges and risks with an open mind to objectively evaluate your options. Work on understanding your motivations to take steps that direct you towards reaching your dreams and being who you want to become.

Roadblocks can keep you at the status quo.

Here are seven strategies for coping with change:

1. Face life with clarity. When you’re vague about what an area in your life should look and feel like, it’s a roadblock to success. To recognize success, you must clarify it and give it an explicit definition.
2. Muster up some passion. Want something badly enough, it’s likely going to happen, if you work for it. How badly do you want your relationship to work or to be a success at your job?
3. Create a plan for the future. Any plan you make for the future has a chance of failing, but there is also the prospect of success. Go ahead and plan and meet the obstacles with determination to go on.
4. Patience is a requirement. It may take a while for your well-thought-out plans to start working. In the process, you may become impatient and become less understanding or forgiving when you take a step backward. Be patient.
5. Be consistent. You’ll never be able to figure out the problems that are sure to surface with change without a consistent approach or philosophy. Begin small and assess each problem or roadblock with the knowledge you’re gaining along the way.
6. Never give up on yourself and your dreams. When you give up, you’re setting in motion the end to everything you wanted. Don’t take failure as a final answer. Instead, make it a stepping-stone to success.
7. Set reasonable priorities. Thinking you’re too busy with other areas of your life to work for the success you’re dreaming about can sabotage your progress. Make time for what you really want. Everyone has 24 hours in a day, organize your day to pursue what you want, every small effort counts.

The important thing is not to feel powerless when you come across an obstacle that seems too big or too complicated to overcome with your present knowledge.

You have the power to step back, get help, rethink and re-strategize your plan of attack. Remember change happens, it’s a part of life and it can affect all aspects of your life, professionally and personally. Become firmly grounded in who you are and what you might need to cope with change. Gather your resources and support to move forward. Need help? Send me an email.

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At the fast pace of new challenges and changes being introduced into our lives, you need a handy reference to structure your responses rather than relying on instinct.

This is the new normal – brace yourself for a continual season of changes – prepare to make clear-headed decisions.