Have you ever had an idea in your head on how something was supposed to go? Whether it was a meeting with a client, a project you were working on or maybe just the day ahead of you. You review what you might say, how you’re going to approach the situation, a game-plan to complete certain tasks, etc. So you schedule your meetings, you complete your daily routine and you attempt to control the majority of the day ahead. But unfortunately life doesn’t always go as planned.
What happens when something pops-up unexpectedly? Do you go with the flow or does panic set-in? I happen to be the second of the two. I’ve tried to find ways to control the angst and internal chaos that erupts, but I’m not always successful. So in hopes to find some advice, I researched a few articles, gathered suggestions and came up with four different ways to embrace change:
1. Decide on the importance of the change and what it truly affects.
A question I like to ask myself is, “Will this matter in the next five years?” A majority of the time, the answer is no. Sometimes the idea of change itself seems worse than what actually is taking place. For example, I moved to a new city on a whim. I quit my last job and had no idea what I got myself into. It was a huge change, brought on by myself, but it was still overwhelming. But now, a year later, those things no longer matter. Ultimately I figured it out, and everything ended up for the best.
2. Create an action plan.
Action plans are a way to get your mind organized. When change occurs it’s easy for your mind to go into over drive. You might think to yourself, “What am I going to do? How can I handle this? I don’t know where to begin.” This makes you feel defeated before you even start. But begin with baby steps. Write down ways you can approach the situation and visualize how they may play out. It may not be a fool-proof plan but it can help you readjust your focus.
3. Focus on what you can control.
When change occurs, it’s easy to start celebrating with a pity party for one. You think you are the only one this may have happened to and you don’t know how you will ever figure it out. But why view change as a bad thing? Take control of your attitude. Even if you have to force yourself to remain positive, it will be worth it. A positive mind is a clear mind and negativity will only make the situation worse.
4. Talk with people who have had similar experiences.
Lastly, if there’s someone you know that has gone through the same experience, give them a call and get their advice. They may have some words of wisdom that can help you rationalize the situation. It’s easy to think that only the worse will happen. But knowing how someone else was able to manage, and get through it will make you feel like you’re not alone and that you can get through it too.
