Change is inevitable. Inevitable, however, is not the same as easy.
You’ve met people who are not good at change. They are likely to make a lot of noise, show extreme emotions and attract attention in the short term. Then, they fizzle out before any long-term change occurs…just like fireworks.
People who are good at change usually show:
Flexibility
An eagerness to learn
Patience
Common sense
Tolerance for ambiguity
Understanding of failure
Sense of humor
- Control of their moods
The good news is you can get better at change. A while back I spoke about dealing with change on a morning talk show. Here’s the TV segment:
In addition to having a “Partner in Change” use these tips for breaking through changes you encounter.
Have a vision for a successful change. Ask yourself, “What is the best next step for me to change positively, personally and professionally?”
Be willing to transform. Think of a caterpillar going into a cocoon and transforming into a butterfly. To have a breakthrough you must allow yourself to keep changing and build support to help you succeed at your new normal.
Fail but never stop. Failure is not falling down, it’s staying down. True failure doesn’t occur until you stop trying. Treat yourself like you treat others who fail. Be kind to yourself. Learn from the experience, adjust – and give yourself encouragement for the next attempt.
Don’t strive for perfection. It can be your enemy. Instead, strive for progress.
We all need to learn something and change increases that need. Lack of knowledge can make you feel confused and scared. The more you know, the less fear you’ll experience.
Journey On!
About Linda: A recognized authority on negotiations, workplace issues and strategic communication, Linda Swindling, JD, CSP is an author, media expert, a “recovering” employment attorney, and a professional speaker. Contact us to book Linda to speak at your event.