For the past few weeks, I have been writing about how change impacts us personally and professionally.
We talked about the importance of knowing what is within your control, the role of loss and grief, and how that shapes your response to change.
Once you have awareness, what do you do next?
Here are three simple but powerful ways to strengthen your resilience when things feel uncertain.
1. Name What Is True
This may sound simple, but it is the step most people skip.
Take a few minutes to reflect on what has changed for you. Write it down, say it out loud, or share it with someone you trust.
- What has changed?
- What have you lost?
- What have you gained?
Naming what is true helps you move out of avoidance and into clarity. And clarity makes decision-making easier.
2. Expand Your Pro/Con List
Most of us have made a pro and con list when trying to make a decision. However, there is a tool I love from motivational interviewing that takes this a step further.
Instead of just listing the pros and cons of making a change, ask yourself:
What are the pros of making this change? What are the cons of making this change? What are the pros of not making this change? What are the cons of not making this change?This expands your thinking and helps you make decisions with more intention, not just reaction.
3. Take Care of Your Future Self
Change can leave us feeling disoriented and reactive. One of the best ways to regain your footing is to practice your personal change management strategies routinely.
This looks different for everyone, but here are a few places to start:
Pause before reacting
Breathe deeply, even for 30 seconds
Get clear on your priorities for this moment in time, not necessarily forever
Reach out to someone who helps you feel grounded
Step away when emotions feel highThese small actions can make a big difference.
Managing change isn’t about pushing through at all costs. It is about caring for yourself in the process so you can move forward with clarity, intention, and actions that will be good for you.
If you want more tools and real conversation about navigating change, I hope you will join me for a free webinar, Chaos Busters: Thriving During Times of Transition, on April 30.
Change is hard. You do not have to do it alone.
