Flexibility Why do we resist change?

FACT The only one who likes change is a wet baby.

Change is Inevitable It is often said that the only things in life that are inevitable are death and taxes. Well, you can add a third item to the things that are inevitable, and that is change. And change is happening faster than at any time in human history.

History Lesson When the Berlin Wall came down and the Worldwide Web went up, the world changed forever

Acceptance To deal effectively with change you cannot let it frustrate or upset you. You cannot attempt to minimize or avoid change. Instead, you have to learn how to deal with change, and use it to your advantage. It begins with acceptance. Change is an essential element of life itself, yet we almost instinctively resist it. Most people believe that if they ignore change, it won’t happen. That if they ignore change, somehow time will turn back to the way things were years ago. But that is not going to happen.

Flexibility The most valuable quality your can ever develop to deal with change is flexibility. You must form the habit of remaining open-minded and adaptable to new information and circumstances. When things go wrong and problems come up, as they often do, instead of becoming upset and frustrated, look for the benefit that is always contained in the change.

“It’s not so much that we’re afraid of change, or so in love with the old ways, but it’s the place in between that we fear… it’s like being between trapezes. It’s Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There’s nothing to hold on to.”

Focus Whenever an unexpected change or setback occurs, successful people immediately focus their mind on where they want to be at a future time. This future vision is something that he or she has planned and given a lot of thought to, so it is fairly easy to conjure up at a moment’s notice.

Be a Big Thinker and Create Opportunities The captain must continue to see (and forge on to) the new world, even when the crew wants to sail home.

Control Another critical issue in dealing with change is having control. Most of your stress and unhappiness in life comes as a result of feeling out of control in a particular area in your life. If you think about the times or places where you feel the very best about yourself, you will notice a high degree of control in those places. One of the reasons why you like to come home after a trip is because, after you walk through your front door, you feel completely in control of your environment.

So, Why do we resist? One word…Fear.

Fear of failure Resistance to change may be rooted in fear. During periods of change, some people may feel the need to cling to the past because it was a more secure, predictable time. If what they did in the past worked well for them, they may resist changing their behavior out of fear that they will not achieve as much in the future.

Creatures of habit Doing things in the same routine, predictable manner is comfortable. Asking people to change the way they operate or think is asking them to move outside their comfort zone. "We've always done it this way, so why do we need to change?" becomes the rallying cry for people who have difficulty changing their routines.

Don’t be afraid to take the initiative Avoid the “Not My Job” Syndrome

Be Enthusiastic and Have Fun!!!

A holistic approach to handling change Do mundane tasks first. Need to take out the trash, or do some homework? Do those things first. They’ll help you feel ordered and like your making progress.

A holistic approach to handling change Eat well. Avoid junk food and eat regular meals.

A holistic approach to handling change Get some exercise. When you are experiencing change, even if it’s back to something you consider normal, you will experience stress. Exercise, hopefully as part of your daily routine, can really help take your mind off things.

A holistic approach to handling change Make sure you’re sleeping well. When dealing with change your body and mind will need time rest. Make sure you take time to sleep.

A holistic approach to handling change Keep talking and keep laughing. Changes can be hard on people, even good changes. Talking about things and taking time to have a little fun can make a world of difference.

A holistic approach to handling change Ask for help if you need it. No one should go through changes alone.

Change is Coming Are you ready?

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in I walk, down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in I am lost.... I am helpless It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out.

I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in again I can't believe I am in the same place but, it isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.

I walk down the same street There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it there.' I still fall in.... it's a habit, my eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.

I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I Change my Routine. I walk around it.

I walk down another street!

Change is Inevitable…

Embrace it