Change can bring excitement or anxiety. Change can bring needed relief, new opportunities, and a renewed sense of optimism. It can also lead to uncertainty that increases stress, diminishes confidence, and elevates worry. While change is a part of life, effectively navigating through change can make a big difference in our quality of life.
After a thirty-plus year career with International Paper, I decided to make a change and do something different. Now that’s a pretty big change that I elected to pursue. I chose to leave a known salary with benefits, a manageable set of challenges, and a great group of people, to start a coaching and speaking business with no clients, no guaranteed income, and a lot of potential for failure.
The decision to make that change didn’t occur overnight and was something that I contemplated for quite a while. The key elements of that process that I went through to make that decision as well as some key observations that I have witnessed along the way might just be helpful to you.
Whether you are evaluating a potential job change, retiring from a long career, starting a business, changing schools, moving to a new community, joining an organization, getting help with a problem, or any number of other potential changes, here are a few thoughts on navigating the difficulties of change in our lives.
- Don’t be a victim to predictability: Too many of us will settle for a predictable bad situation rather than risk a change to a possible better. The reason is that the change could lead to something worse. So, we settle for bad. We embrace the concept that at least we know what to expect. We live predictable, unhappy lives because we fear change.
- Don’t play the long game too long: Many of us tell ourselves that if we just keep hanging on to a less than desirable situation, that it will eventually pay off, get resolved, or improve. In many cases, we just lack the courage to seek a better opportunity and hide behind false hope. Time will always be more valuable than money, recognition, or rewards.
- Run to something not away from something: Be careful not to overreact to an unpleasant situation, difficult boss, or tough challenge. Those things aren’t always a bad thing and often get resolved. In the short-term, don’t run away from tough things. However, when you clearly have something to run towards, change takes on an entirely new focus. Change is a positive step when you are running towards something.
- Trusted counselors are a blessing: Find people that you trust to talk things over with regarding changes you are contemplating. These people are the ones that make sound choices, ask good questions, and are willing to have hard discussions with you. Be selective and careful who you listen to for advice.
- Focus on direction, not comfort: Will this change enable you to take the next step in living the life you desire? Will this change move you toward the impact you want to have? Far too many of us seek change for comfort rather than challenge. Comfort may feel good in the moment, but it may lead to regret in the longer-term.
Your present circumstances don’t determine where you will ultimately go, they merely determine where you start. What changes do you need to consider to start living, impacting, and experiencing the life you desire?
