5 Tips for Managing Change

Nothing stays the same. Managing change is now more important than ever.

Today, in this fast-paced, unpredictable world, not only is change inevitable, it is happening more quickly than ever before. It is becoming a way of life.

It's not enough that we have to deal with the normal personal changes that we all go through in life. These days, however, we also have broader issues to contend with, such as the global economy, the domestic economy (job loss, company closures), the environment, technology, and changing cultural values.

As challenging and difficult as it may be, and as resistant we are to it, we have to learn to manage change.

Most of us are comfortable with the known and uncomfortable with the unknown. (see Expand Your Comfort Zone)

It is in our best interests, however, to learn to accept change - even embrace it and welcome its challenges.

We can even come to terms with the fact that change can actually be good for us since it helps us develop and encourages us to grow.

Here are 5 Tips for Managing Change:

Take care of yourself. Managing change can be stressful if you are not prepared, so be sure to take care of yourself. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and get enough sleep. Take time to relax. When you are healthy, you are better equipped and in a better frame of mind to handle anything. If, on the other hand, you are already stretched to your limits and having trouble coping, change will only add to your difficulties.

Be open and flexible. Knowing that change can occur at any time helps you accept and adjust to it when does happen. Be able to let go of expectations that no longer fit what is currently going on in the world. Certainly, at no other time in history has there ever been so much change or happening as rapidly as it is today. Even though most of us prefer to settle into comfortable predictable routines, realize that your current routine is probably temporary.

Stay positive and put it in perspective. We all have the ability to control our inner and emotional responses to whatever happens. Our attitudes towards it and how we choose to deal with it is totally up to us. With that in mind, look for the positive outcomes of change - there are always some. In fact, how you react to it can often determine the outcome.

Take control of your life. You can manage change by taking control of your life. Use your critical thinking skills. We all know that some change is forthcoming. Therefore, ask yourself what can you do in advance to help prepare for the transition. Make a list of options. Determine the best approaches. Take charge of your thoughts and actions. If you are mentally and psychologically prepared for change, it will not rock your world when it happens.

Make changes. Become the change agent. Sometimes we are forced into making changes because we allow ourselves to get stuck in a routine or lifestyle that is no longer working for us. If, however, we anticipate it and become active rather than reactive, we can take control of a situation. We can look at where we need to make adjustments and then take action. Doing so can prevent the stress and anxiety that accompany unexpected change.

Change in life is inevitable. Rather than fear or try avoid it, our best course of action is to accept it, meet it head on and allow it to be a positive, constructive force in our lives.