CHANGE: WHY IT’S GOOD AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT

. HOW TO DEAL WITH CHANGE & WHY IT MIGHT ACTUALLY BE A GOOD THING .

Change is a funny old thing, whilst it can be the most exciting and opportune time, it’s a time that most of us approach with fear, panic and uncertainty.

Change is something that throughout life you learn to deal with, whether it’s personal, work, career or living related, the more you experience change, the more you learn to deal with it, cope better and actually look forward to it on some occasions. Whether it’s that first real life change of leaving home to go to university, or a relationship change you have to deal with, or simply changes at work or within your job. As we get older, we experience these more and more, and as a result we end up a little more comfortable with change. Change can be bad, of course, but I want to focus on the more ‘regular’ changes we have to deal with (work, living, friendships, relationships, career etc), as there’s some change that enter a whole different ball game.

When it comes to change, I always think it’s worth seeking out the positives. There are often far more than you may realise. After all a positive mental attitude is the number one way to help you deal with things better, make the most of opportunities and embrace ‘change’ … and as they say, attitude is the difference between something feeling like an ordeal, versus an adventure or opportunity.

“The difference between an adventure and an ordeal is attitude.” Bob Bitchin

So today I thought i’d dedicate my career tips post to change, how to deal with change and why it actually can be a good thing. Despite how it may initially feel.

. 5 REASONS CHANGE CAN BE GOOD .

“A ship at harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are for.” – Grace Hopper

#1 NEW OPPORTUNITIES

As I said change can be difficult to deal with, and often before we’ve even experienced the change, we can get ourselves into a negative mindset about it and generally be a little pessimistic (it’ll never be the same / things could never be this good again). First of all, this is never going to help you deal with the change well, and actually having a little more positivity and embracing change can lead you to a whole host of new opportunities that you might never have had otherwise. Whether it’s a respected and admired boss leaving work, or a friend moving abroad … whilst these might feel like negative changes in the short term, they actually could be great positives in the long term and bring new, exciting opportunities to you in the future.

#2 REIGNITE MOTIVATION

Going through some change is a good time and way to actually reignite your own motivations or passions. More often than not we find ourselves falling into routines and rituals, and whilst these are by no means bad, we’re creatures of habit and sometimes it takes a big change or shift in your life to reignite the passion or motivation you had for something in the first place. When change arrives in your life, usually unexpected, take the opportunity to think about you, your life, your motivations and plans.

#3 FRESHEN UP YOUR LIFE

And once you’ve done that. Why not use the time to make some changes to your own life, for the better, as well. Use the time to freshen things up, start something new, do that thing you’ve always wanted to but never have. Take a moment to look at changes you want to make. And make them.

#4 DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS 

This point is probably slightly more related to work or career, but when change arrives it gives you the opportunity to learn new skills, expand your knowledge and actually build your own skillset beyond your current role and remit. Whether it’s taking on a new project as a result of someone leaving, having the opportunity to step up and take more responsibility or even something non work related like starting to date again, or attending more events to meet new people in a new city.

Change often feels daunting as it might require you to change too … but this is a great opportunity for you to develop too!

#5 BROADEN YOUR NETWORK

The other great thing that change can bring, is the opportunity to meet new people, whether it’s changing jobs and joining a new team, moving city and meeting new people and joining new clubs, or stepping up your blogging game and going full time, and spending more time meeting PR’s and other bloggers. Change does bring the opportunity to broaden your network, and there’s nothing better than meeting new people and expanding your social network.

. 5 TIPS TO HELP YOU DEAL WITH CHANGE .

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” Maya Angelou

#1 GIVE IT TIME

We can all be quick to get on our defence when things change in our lives, but actually often just giving change some time, yourself some time to adjust, and allowing time for things to settle down and find their natural groove is an easy solution … and after a little time change itself can feel a lot more positive than it may have done at the beginning. So whilst it’s not easy, be patient, and let time tell how things will truly be after some change.

#2 BE OPEN MINDED

We’re creatures of habit and bloody love routine don’t we? When things change we can be quite close minded, defensive, and negative, but to deal with change you must keep an open mind. Much like giving it time, keeping an open mind and being open to the opportunities that come with change is a much better way of dealing with a new situation than locking yourself down and feeling negative, plus you’ll be more receptive to opportunities that may come your way as a result of change.

#3 SELF MOTIVATE

There’s no point dwelling and drowning yourself in sorrow when something changes in your life, that will help no one. Not everything lands on our plate as we’d ideally like it to, equally when has anything ever happened without you having to work for it. Never. So when change happens, embrace it, and make sure you’re supporting yourself through the change transition … picking yourself up, taking care of yourself, giving yourself wise words of wisdom and generally getting yourself motivated.

#4 BE HONEST

Change can be challenging, and as much as self motivation and healing is definitely important, so is learning to be honest, open and give your trust to new people. Whether its a new team member, a new person joining your social circle, a new boyfriend, or a new person joining your family. If you’re feeling nervous, scared or a little unsettled, be honest and talk about these feelings. Chances are you arent the only one, and often spending some time chatting with the people around you can help a whole lot more than you may think. Having an honest conversation will not only help you, but probably others too!

# 5 LEARN TO ACCEPT

Ultimately change happens. You have to accept it! Good and bad, for better or for worse. Life will never stay consistent forever … and would you want it to? Variety is the spice of life n’ all that … change can actually inject a lot of good. And you may not even have realised life needed it!

“… sometimes good things fall apart, so better things can fall together” Marilyn Monroe

In the words of the infamous Miss Monroe, sometimes good things do fall apart, so better things can fall together. Whilst it might seem tough to begin with, keep with it, give it time, keep positive and embrace the situation and opportunities that it might bring up!

I’m by no means an expert on this, but from my own experience these are the things I think help and also the positives that I think change can bring. I’d love to hear your thoughts too, and even more so any changes you’ve had to deal with and how you coped?