CAREER DEVELOPMENT, GOALS, SUCCESS UNIVERSITY

We all experience some form of change in our lives. This is most evident in the development and growth we undergo from infancy to adulthood, when we started out in this world unable to walk or talk and now reading this article from a computer at work or a fancy laptop at a local coffee shop, while waiting for a meeting to commence.

However, while there are changes that come naturally and are, therefore, inevitable, there are those sorts of changes that seem to derail us from the "plans" we have set for ourselves. Not all change is good – that's a fact. Some changes are empowering, but some are also depressing. When the latter happens, most of us just tend to raise our hands in defeat and give up.

However, we shouldn't wave the white flag at challenges so easily. Are you familiar with the sayings,"what does not kill you only makes you stronger," or "we aren't given what we can't bear"? These apply here now. While change is constant and cannot be prevented, we can all find ways to regulate our responses to it, if only to keep our sanity intact.

Here are five suggestions to coping with life changes smoothly.

1. Accept that change is inevitable.

The first step to coping with change is acknowledging that it exists and that it is there. Running away from it and pretending it doesn't exist will only make matters worse. For instance, if all of a sudden the surrogate mom you've been talking to for the past months now backed out and decided not to go through with your deal, it doesn't do well to lock yourself up in your bedroom and cry for a week. Try to resolve the issue with the other person and discuss, calmly, the reasons for the change of heart.

2. There are many paths to choose from.

If things do not go your way and deviate from your plan, try another way. There are many alternatives if only you become more open to them. When you set a plan, always realize that many things can happen along the way, and that you don't always win. Have a plan B, plan C, plan D, and so forth. Or, even if you don't have contingency plans, acknowledge that you have many other options besides the one you already set your mind into.

3. Keep a positive attitude.

Sure, change is not always good. However, you can try to make it less painful and stressful by looking at the brighter side of things. So your date cancelled at the last minute? No sweat. At least, now, you have some time to spend with your family or get to enjoy some alone time. Go get a massage or treat yourself to a nice book and a café mocha. Sometimes, when bad changes happen, it is usually to open doors for a new and better event to come in.

4. You are not alone.

Everyone experiences change. Thus, you should not single yourself out and play hermit. Go out and talk with friends. Enjoy your time. Laugh at the challenges together.

5. Welcome it with open arms.

Again, when God closes a door, He opens a window. See the change as an opportunity to be introduced to new things and a chance to make improvements in your life. This is the time to tinker with the things you might have overlooked with your original plan. Savor the moment and smile.

Posted by Leon Edward at 08:50 PM | Permalink

Change is the only thing that is constant in life.

This holds true for every person because change is inevitable. Change can happen anytime, regardless if you are ready or not!

When it occurs, the best thing to do is to confront it head on and get it over and done with. People who run away from change have found themselves frustrated as they find themselves encountering the same problem repeatedly.

Change can be good or bad depending on how it is perceived by the person. An optimist will see change as a challenge or a stepping stone to something greater. A pessimist will see change as a hindrance and will only complain.

It doesn't really matter whether you choose to face change or not, because it will not go away. Any which way you deal with it, change will still have an impact on you right now or in the next few days, weeks, or years.

So how do you handle change? Accept it. Take baby steps but face it head on.

Change can sometimes be annoying because it can be interrelated to another set of changes. Hey, that's how life works. Making a choice is one way of handling change.

Here are some tips on how to handle change:

1. Let it flow

Trying to resist and get around change will only be a futile and frustrating attempt. Instead, what you can do is try to be more flexible. If you have this attitude, you will be able to ride the wave out more smoothly and sanely. Don't swim against the current.

2. Welcome reactions

It's okay to react to the events that come with change. You have the right to feel happy or sad with whatever is thrown at you. There is a time to celebrate and there is a time to grieve. After the grieving period is over, you will find it easier to handle change.

3. Purging helps

Talking about your problem provides the opportunity to take its weight off your chest. Have you noticed this? This is because you start being immune to the problem. Talking about it will also help you find solutions. Bottling up all your fears, expectations, and emotions will only cost you your sanity.

4. Never forget the familiar

Change comes one by one and in bits and pieces. Chances are there will still be something from your old life that you can hold onto and cherish while you are trying to handle change. Remember the saying "make new friends, but keep the old"? This applies here.

5. Seek support

If you feel overwhelmed by change, you can always seek ways to temporarily distract you while you think of methods to deal with it. Go out with friends, read a book, and travel. There is a multitude of things that you can do in order to make change more acceptable and less stressful.

To sum it all up, handling change boils down to one thing: acceptance. One you have accepted the fact that things happen and that these happen for a reason, the easier it will be for you!

Posted by Leon Edward at 06:49 PM | Permalink