Change is rampant and generates growth. There are so many changes we experience: kids go to college, moving, new schedules, the loss or health of a loved one, a break up, effects of the economy, etc. At work there may be a change of ownership, management, job, position, project, or system. The thought of change can cause discomfort. In being challenged through change here are 10 tips to handle change and come out better than you are today. And you are already pretty awesome!

“Change always comes bearing gifts”. Price Pritchett

Aim for Growth over Resilience- Resilience is often suggested to handle change. However, those who tread through change do not return to original form. There are always gifts. You always grow whether you realize something about yourself, develop new relationships, or learn in order to help others. Aim to grow instead of survive.

See Discomfort as Growing Pains- Real emotions of sadness, moodiness, anger, insecurity, or nervousness are natural. They need to be expressed and worked through. As you progress work to shift the discomfort to an understanding that you are growing through this and with growth comes discomfort which is seen in any child.

Trust- While staying closely connected to your authentic self and your faith get deep into a place of trust. Trust this change will move you closer in line with your life’s purpose, that you will connect with the people you need to connect with, and that life will be as great as you make it to be… even if not exactly how imagined.

Believe in Your Self- Believe in your abilities to handle the change with grace. You have within you more than you ever imagined to tap into. There is also an abundance of people, information, and resources at your finger tips to handle any situation.

Look for Choices and Opportunities- Through new eyes what choices and opportunities are open to grow personally or professionally, develop a skill, leverage a passion or strengths, do something you have wanted to do, live more authentically, help others, build relationships, improve finances, learn, or develop a characteristic such as courage, efficiency, compassion, independence or to be a team player, etc.

Be in Action- Taking action to work through the change puts you in a position to influence the results rather than becoming a victim to the change. Change occurs. You can choose to sit and allow it to happen to you or you can choose actions to create the best possible results.

List Your Goals- On paper write down 3 goals to bring about the best possible results. Who do you want to be when you come out of this? What will you gain? Why do you want this? What will others gain? Set up goals that may stretch you but feel doable.

Break it Down- Break goals into actions. Write 1-3 actions under each goal. The size of the steps depends on state of mind. A widow may choose to call a friend weekly, have a pastor visit, begin reading daily, volunteer regularly, or join a support group, etc. depending on what she feels she CAN do. A new project at work may entail creating a plan, getting tasks into a system, etc. Begin by doing what you know you can do.

Hold a Positive Attitude- A bold storm created high winds and heavy downpours here in Houston. After trees and branches fell the sun came out and a rainbow appeared. The sun always rises giving us new options to learn, develop relationships, and experience life fully. The more we stay positive, the more positive experiences we live.

Get Support- We are raised to be independent and handle things on our own. What we are not told is that there are times when we need others, and we achieve more with support. Decide on the support system that will serve you best whether it is a friend, support group, pastor, psychiatrist, coach, mentor, or a very supportive family.

Come out of this change better than you are today! Trust the process of allowing growth to occur. Believe you can handle it because you can. Look forward to the adventure of seeing where it takes you, who you grow into, and who will benefit in days to come.

To Get Started, Ask Yourself:
~  Who do I want to be when I come out of this change? .
~  What choices and opportunities do I have because of this change?
~  Who will I connect with to ask for their support?
~  What are 1-3 actions I know I can take to work through this change?
~  How will you break it down small enough to begin?…. Starting Now!