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.
Related articles:
Quotes
on Change
Expand Your Comfort Zone
Acceptance