How to Deal with Change: Discover the 3 Stages of Change and What They Say about You
“The only thing that is constant is change.” ~ Greek philosopher, Heraclitus
Life is full of uncertainty and change. And really isn’t that a good thing? Wouldn’t you get tired of the exact same thing day after day after day…? If you’ve learned how to deal with change, your attitude, your outlook, your abilities to function in the real world will provide the basis for building a successful and happy life despite what happens.
However, major problems arise if you haven’t learned how to deal with change effectively. If you haven’t been given the tools to see life as it really is, you’ll be living with fantasies that paralyze you. And if you don’t know how to mindfully choose your state of being, you’ll never see the full potential for what could be possible for your life.
Of course, it’s natural to resist change at first. We all do it, especially when we feel fearful and unsafe. At other times, we may get stuck in the second stage of change – falling into a rut, merely existing, keeping the status quo, not rocking the boat as we maintain the life we have. I believe that the best way to live is the third stage of change –when we lean in and embrace it as we see the life we’ve envisioned unfold.
So how do you deal with change? Of these three stages of change, which do you stay in the longest – resistance, maintenance, or embracing a larger vision? Not sure? How do you react to the following statements?
I know how to deal with change because:
- I’m prepared to adapt to whatever comes, instead of wishing life was different.
- I see opportunities rather than challenges or roadblocks.
- I choose to focus on the positive instead of dwelling on the negative.
- I see what’s really there not making things more complicated than they need to be.
- I trust that I’m capable of handling whatever comes.
- I give myself permission to “fail” and try again until I get it right.
- I forgive myself readily, instead of beating myself up.
- I confidently move on from mistakes without doubting myself.
- I see when something isn’t working and adjust.
Do you see yourself in this list? Excellent! Then you’re on your way to mastering change. If, at present, you can’t own all of these as your truth, don’t despair. You can learn how to keep your sense of humor and gain a better life through change.
A surprisingly simply way to do this is to read my ultimate favorite book: “Who Moved My Cheese – An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change In Your Work and In Your Life” by Spencer Johnson, M.D. It’s a simple story that uses metaphors, but how you interpret it and apply it to your own life gives it the greatest value. It’s a story of two mice – Sniff, Scurry – and two Little People – Hem, Haw – who find their way through a maze to get to the cheese – what you want in life.
Some of the lessons you’ll learn about how to deal with change are:
“Change Happens
They Moved the Cheese
Anticipate Change
Get Ready for the Cheese to Move
Monitor Change
Smell the Cheese Often so You Know When It’s Getting Old
Adapt To Change Quickly
The Quicker You Let Go Of Old Cheese, the Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese
Change
Move with the Cheese
Enjoy Change
Savor the Adventure and Enjoy the Taste of New Cheese
Be Ready To Change Quickly and Enjoy It Again
They Keep Moving the Cheese.”
You’ll see that ATTITUDE is everything! Every time you make mindful choices that supports the lifestyle you envision for yourself, you’re taking back the control you need. Each success empowers you to go on to the next with confidence. If you want more “cheese” in your life and need to learn how to deal with change more effectively, give me a call and we can set up an appointment in person or via Skype so I can help you “read the writing on the wall” as you progress to the next chapter in our life.