Change, the Way of Today

How do you go when things have to change?

Are you able to embrace it or do you resist it?

This may be change associated with work, with Government or it may be associated with the purchase of some technical equipment - like a new computer or television. Change may involve a new way of doing something (like changing a golf swing or the night the bins are put out to be collected), a belief (like changing the way you think about something) or it may be a forced change (like something new at work or an imposed tax).

Embracing change is one of the more popular topics businesses are now asking me to speak to their team about.

From what I see, most people resist change to some degree. It means going outside their comfort zone to do something they are not comfortable with. When this occurs, they may:

• Avoid change
  
• Hope it goes away
  
• Hope it doesn't last and things return to the way they used to be
  
• Question it - "Why do I have to do it?"
  
• Reluctantly do it
  
• Complain about it
  
• Stuff up - so they don't have to do it
  
• Hope someone else does it

The fact is, the world is changing an ever-increasing rate. We can't stop that. We have a choice whether we keep up or fall behind.

Thank about:

• How many people owned a computer in 1990, 2000 and today.
  
• Who used the Internet in 1996? Today?
  
• How many people had a mobile phone in 1990? Today?

Change involves going from the "known" to the "unknown". Going into the unknown often involves fear - the fear that the new change will not work, that you will come out worse in some way.

To combat the unknown, see if you can make it known. Research that new job or business to ensure you will like it and it stands an excellent chance of working out. Research that new home to ensure you will like it and you are not buying solely on emotion.

Accept what has to be and make it work for you. As I said in a past newsletter, when a situation arises that you do not like, you have some choices:

• embrace it and make it work for you (make the best of what you have),
  
• change it so you are happy (good luck in changing it!) or
  
• let it work against you (resist it).

When the Government introduces a new fee or work introduces a new work practice - think about your choices. If you fear you are going to be worse off, research it to see if you will be. If you are, back to your three choices.

Change is here to stay. Will you embrace it, ignore it or resist it?

If you would like any help in this area, please feel free to contact us.