Living With Change And Facing It With Acceptance
By Martin Haworth
In today’s economy, recession is pretty much the name of the game in many organizations. In such difficult times, it’s inevitable change will come. And whatever business you’re in, people are going to be affected…
In a lot of organizations these days, financial challenges will mean it’s time to cut costs. And because of the vast number of workers getting laid off by their respective companies, money will be tight, meaning people will find it hard to afford all their consumer needs, in all but the most basic essentials.
Of course this begins the vicious financial cycle, where less spending often causes businesses to struggle, bankruptcies multiply and businesses are forced to shut down. Which in turn causes even more unemployment.
The income versus spending cycle, with the frequent hardships for so many people, makes it hard to find much comfort for anyone. So instead of letting those negative feelings fester, it’s time to appreciate how to live with change and learn some ways to face it with acceptance – even confidence and excitement!
With recession the main problem – at least in the short term – one option is to see beyond the present and consider the bigger picture – the real opportunities that change can present, even if right now, things are looking tough.
Many people get into roles with which they are not fully aligned, partly because they received poor guidance at an early age; partly because they chose wrongly for themselves and partly because roles evolved in different directions to what they anticipated.
So, here’s the thing: A great first step to being able to accept the changing workplace environment is to let go of comfort zones. Living with change is especially hard after the stable and dynamic business environments of the past ten years. So when it’s time to move forward into the unknown, it’s very understandable to feel some apprehension.
Instead of dwelling on the downsides, it might be best to accept the fact that it’s time to move on, with the option to return to those comfort zones at a later time – if that’s really essential! For now, how about taking that progressive step to really engage with and accept that the time for change is now?
Next, since living with change, for this discussion, may mean changing direction, it would be really smart to research what will help to acknowledge and then welcome new opportunities with a more open disposition.
Releasing preconceived notions that are held already about the most appropriate career, will enable personal growth, enjoyment and – because people perform best when they are being authentic – success too.
Finally, it’s vital to manage perspectives and be optimistic. Yes, accepting, and even being pro-active with, change is can be a frightening thing, being positive about it is a major asset to adjusting and getting comfortable again.
Living with change and facing it with acceptance may be hard at first, but with the tips mentioned above, it shouldn’t be that difficult in the long run. It might even be fun!
Martin Haworth is a Business and Management Coach and Trainer. For more useful stuff check out CoachTrainLearn.com.
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.