The constant in life is change.
Change can be BIG – life altering events that rock your world, or small – the changes we encounter day-to-day. For example, cancelled appointments, urgent tasks that popped up unexpectedly, traffic detours, a child that forgets their school bag, a friend can’t meet you as planned for lunch – the unexpected happens and plans need to be rearranged.
Change, BIG or small is inevitable and unavoidable. We all experience change in our lives which can be physical, environmental, changes in our relationships with our family and friends, and changes in our work and workplace.
Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past and the present are certain to miss the future – John F. Kennedy
Depending on your situation, how the change was initiated – whether you actively instigated the change, or whether the change was someone else’s decision, will influence how you deal with it.
Regardless of the circumstances BIG change can be both daunting and exciting so it’s important to discover ways to roll with it.
Most of us like certainty – we are comfortable with what is familiar to us, but it’s impossible to stretch and grow in our comfort zone.
BIG change creates uncertainty so it’s natural to feel derailed and apprehensive about what the future might bring. When we experience this kind of change it can be quite distressing and we tend to worry about what ‘might’ happen, the ‘what ifs’.
At times like this it’s important to try to keep a positive frame of mind, look after your wellbeing and encourage others to do the same.
Focusing on the ways a situation should be instead of allowing it to be what is will drain your energy. Blaming and complaining will impact on your relationships and your own wellbeing and is futile. We can’t live in the past – what’s done is done.
No matter how disappointed you may be, consider the possibilities for the future.
Look for the opportunities and new experiences the change presents for example the freedom to escape from something that’s not working and spend your time on more inspiring and rewarding activities.
There may be opportunities to grow; learn something new; meet different people; make new friends; break old habits and develop fresh and more gratifying practices.
Identify the positive lifestyle benefits the change presents; gain and appreciate a new perspective; reconnect with your values, identify your strengths and reconsider your priorities – what’s important to you and your wellbeing. This will help you to focus on moving forward.
Change can be frightening, and the temptation is often to resist it. But change almost always provides opportunities to learn new things, to rethink tired processes, and to improve the way we work – Klaus Schwab
Seizing opportunities as they arise can be transformational and may take you on a journey you may never have previously envisaged. Setting new goals will help you reassess what you want and enable you take control of the direction of your life based on your own terms.
Creating a transition plan will guide you on the steps you will need to take to realise your goals and aspirations and identify the people whose support you need to help you on this journey.
Even when change is difficult, consider the alternative – things staying as they are. In this scenario we may be comfortable and safe for a while, but our lives and the lives of those around us would eventually stagnate. The only way to evolve and grow is to step outside our comfort zone, reframe and embrace change, focus on the options, decide what we want, take responsibility for our choices and wellbeing, create the pathway that takes us to where we want to go, and take massive action.
Where are you on your journey? The effects of change can happen quickly, but you can re-frame and embrace the change and take charge of your life.
You may be just starting out on your employment journey; in mid-career and looking to change; or, perhaps, a baby boomer looking to transition into retirement (we also call it retirement reimagining, retirement reframing, and retirement reinvention).
If you want support to clarify your goals and aspirations and are willing to put in the effort to make it happen, reach out today and let’s get started.
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