Confidently Coping with Change Part 2
Taking Risks
When something new, a major (or even minor) transition, has taken place, it’s time to take action that will enhance your ability to operate in positive ways. When you discover how to view risk-taking with awe and excitement rather than dread and worry, it will make a major difference in your ability to move forward.
If you are naturally a risk-taker, then this may seem like common sense, but most people aren’t. Comfort, routine, and staying within the confines of their own “box” are the guidelines most people use to make decisions.
If you aren’t a risk-taker, start by taking small, simple risks. For example, drive home a new way. Buy a tie or a blouse you’ve admired on others, even if it isn’t your normal style. Write a letter to the editor about something you’re passionate about. Do something that you know is safe, but is still outside your normal routine.
Keep doing unusual things. Act differently or make unique choices compared to your past behavior. The more you get used to pushing the envelope, the easier taking bigger risks will be. And when you’re in transition, you must move beyond your normal limits to get to the next stage.
Acceptance
Another important aspect of effectively dealing with change is learning to accept. One part of acceptance is of your own emotional roller coaster, because all emotions are “normal” during times of transition. You don’t always have to be strong. It’s okay to admit your anger, fear, or grief. You also need to learn to accept the bottom-line facts of this particular situation, rather than deny it. The sooner you acknowledge the change that has occurred, the more easily you’ll be able to move on and feel confident.
Learn to accept that the status quo, in general, is never that for long! When you realize that life is constantly changing and you’re able to accept each change with greater ease, you’ll find that life sails along much more smoothly. The only way to do this is in your mind. It’s making a decision to live with what is, and that’s a change in viewpoint.
Perspective
If you can change your mind-set to be positively focused, vs. negatively worried, this will help immensely. By adjusting your perspective, you can make any decision a winning one. You can find peace of mind as you discover the learning or “silver-lining” in a dark time.
When you are able to focus on where you are now, you will find greater contentment. You’ll notice that when you concentrate fully on the task, discussion, or even emotion that is at hand, much of your stress will disappear. Your stress expands as you worry about the “what if” rather than dealing with the “what is.”
Appreciation
When you have an attitude of appreciation of what you have now, without fear about possible negative outcomes or comparison to “the good ‘ol days,” you’ll find that each day has its gifts. They may not all be monumental, such as a raise or a new car. But every day offers many precious moments because they touch our hearts—a beautiful sunset, the smile of your child or grandchild, or even a hilarious joke found in your email. Each of these instances can be forgotten during times of change. And yet, they are what we need to remember so that you can feel good when the earth is moving beneath you.
Confidently Coping with Change, Part 1
