How to Embrace Change
Those of you who read last month’s blog should have conducted some self-reflection and asked yourselves ‘What does change mean to you?’
As a recap for those of you who didn’t, change can mean something different to so many people.
It could be deeply personal change only relevant to them, political change, economic change, or societal change.
It might spark excitement and opportunity. It might stir up fear and resistance. It might mean growth – the process of ‘becoming,’ sometimes intentionally and sometimes unexpectedly. This could be starting a new career, ending a relationship, or simply choosing to see the world in a different light.
Whatever your answer, change isn’t something to be feared. Instead, it’s a sign that you’re alive, learning, and moving forward.
One of the many reasons why I define Resilience as “Springing Forward with Learning”.
So now you’ve hopefully got your own personal understanding of change, I want to move on and consider how to embrace change.
I hope you find my list of tips useful and relevant in your personal growth.
Accept the change
You should always accept that change is a natural part of life. If you do this, you’ll always be ready for it and adapt more successfully when it happens.
Forget the way things used to be – the processes your company used, the people you worked with, or the managers you worked for. Always remember that change can often lead to enormous opportunities.
Stay optimistic
Maintaining a hopeful attitude is essential for work success and will help you rapidly adjust.
Focus on what might become possible because of change.
Identify ways to leverage your abilities to the greatest extent within the new circumstances, as this can have a major impact on everyone around you.
How do you enable hope and optimism? Photo Pablo Guerroro Unsplash
Get a fresh perspective
Seeking the views of others – for example family or friends – can have a powerful impact on how quicky you adapt. These conversations will help you realise how other workplaces change, and what’s typical in your industry.
Your support network might also offer you some advice on how to cope with the changing workplace environment more effectively.
Focus on what you can control
Only focus on tasks and responsibilities you can control – forgetting about things out of your control will make you feel happier and more fulfilled.
Focus on big projects or even big obstacles and break them down into small components.
Consider what you want from your career. Identify the skills you want to develop further and add them to your list to focus on. Knowing you can control your own professional development will make you feel more positive and satisfied – even as your workplace is changing.
Set new goals
Setting new goals will renew your purpose and give you clarity of focus when circumstances change at work. Goals can also shift your mindset and help you prioritise more effectively,
Don’t worry about change but instead set new goals to assist you in focusing on the actions that can move you toward your objectives.
Not only will this help you stay positive at work, but it’ll also motivate you to increase your productivity.
Communicate with colleagues
Keep connected with coworkers as your work environment revolves to maintain your productivity and workplace success. This will keep you aware of what’s happening around you.
Ask questions, because the more you know about what’s going on, the more confident you’ll feel.
Talking to others will maintain your positivity, boost your spirits, and increase your energy – whilst keeping you informed about new ideas and changes.
Look out for the next articles in this series – “The importance of embracing change,” and “The benefits of embracing change.”
If you need further information about these approaches, or any other resilience topic, please contact russell@theresiliencecoach.co.uk.