Sometimes we
choose to create change in our lives and other times change occurs outside our
realm of control. Either way, we find ourselves adjusting to a new situation or
a whole new way of life. How you manage change determines how peaceful or
miserable you are determined to be! Here are 5 effective ways to manage life's
changes without making yourself miserable:
1- Be Flexible
- When change happens, our natural response is to hold on to what is familiar.
Familiarity gives us a sense of security and enables us to coast on auto-pilot. On most days, we zip in and out of our neighborhoods without much
thought. Change requires that we slow down, reassess our new surroundings,
readjust our thinking, and implement a new plan to reach our desired goal.
Imagine if the GPS in your car insisted on following only one route to your
intended destination. You wouldn't get too far without getting stuck and
feeling frustrated. Similarly, when we are flexible in our thinking, we learn
to maneuver life's detours more effectively.
2- Perception-
Change can often be perceived as a challenging and frightening time in our
lives. Sensing a loss of control brings fear. Rest assured, many people feel
this way initially. The key is perception! We can choose to view change as
something to fear or as an opportunity for something new to manifest in our
lives. Change is essential to movement and often helps us uncover our hidden
skills and resilience in life.
3- Time- Give
yourself time to emotionally adjust to your new situation. While it is
essential to be flexible in thinking and perception, remember, it doesn't all
have to happen overnight. Continuing to resist inevitable change can make you
as miserable as pretending to have suddenly adjusted at breakneck speed.
Genuine, long-lasting adjustment and acceptance take place gradually. Even
when good changes like marriage, childbirth, new job or house occur, they all
require letting go of the way it used to be, to the way it will be now.
4- Review and Reflect- Set aside time each day to review and reflect on the change or
changes in your life. Busy schedules and hectic lifestyles prevent us from
taking a quiet moment to reflect, accept, and plan for adapting to the changes
that have occurred or are about to occur in our lives. Remember, even your
car's GPS has to continually reassess and devise optional routes to reach your
intended destination. Not taking time to reflect and plan ahead can create more
fear and misery. Avoidance is not the answer!
5- Support-
While it's wonderful to feel like we are totally independent beings and do not
need to rely on others, do remember to reach out for support from friends,
family, or professionals. Call your Personal Life Coach! Find someone who
understands and can be there with you as you adjust to the changes in your
life.
Whether we like
it or not, sometimes life just throws us unexpected curve balls. Some good,
some not so great. The more we insist on maintaining the status quo, the more
painful it becomes. While we cannot predict every twist and turn that lies
ahead, we can let go of limiting thinking and be open to the possibility that
there are actually many routes to our desired destination. And being miserable,
is certainly not one of them!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sydney Chhabra, Ph.D. is a seasoned
Psychologist and Personal Life Coach with 20+ years of experience! Sydney has a
very warm and personable style of communication and takes a very practical
approach in life coaching. She is genuinely supportive and maintains a focused and
solution-oriented approach. To learn more, visit:http://www.midlifecoachingforwomen.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6716915
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