How to deal with change
Don't be afraid of change
When change is unexpected and sudden, it's scary and can be upsetting. But, if something is out of your control, there's absolutely no point in fighting against it. You have to figure out the best way to get through it, because like it or not, it's happening. You can't sit there and think 'could have', 'should have, 'would have', the only thing you can do now is move forwards.
When change is unexpected and sudden, it's scary and can be upsetting. But, if something is out of your control, there's absolutely no point in fighting against it. You have to figure out the best way to get through it, because like it or not, it's happening. You can't sit there and think 'could have', 'should have, 'would have', the only thing you can do now is move forwards.
On the other hand, when you've instigated the change yourself, it's still scary but also exciting. Towards the end of 2017 I decided to look for a new job. I was starting to feel uncomfortable with being comfortable, if you know what I mean?! I needed a change. Once I've made a big decision like this I tend to go 'all in' which is exactly what I did. Not only did I change the city where I worked but I changed from the public sector back to the private sector and changed industry. Yup, no half measures for me!!
When it all started to become very real and my start date was approaching, I basically lost my sh*t. Eek, I can't do this, I know nothing about finance (I'd never even temped in the finance industry, I literally knew nothing), I'm too old to learn new things, no-one will like me etc etc. In a funny kind of way, it actually helped that I knew nothing about the industry as it meant that I had no choice but to throw myself fully in the role. By the way, the excuse about learning new things is a complete lie - I love learning new things, I'm a complete and utter geek about learning new things and you're NEVER too old!!
Something I did have to get my head round pretty quickly was the new lingo and, having been out of the private sector for so long, I'd forgotten even the most basic of business terminology. I even had to ask what BAU meant - Business as usual - doh!! However, there were still quite a few that I'd never come across before and below are the ones that made me giggle because in my head they meant something completely different .....
'Reaching out' - when someone 'reaches out' to you, it does not mean that your colleague is asking you out on a date. #awkward
'Pushing back' - fully deserved but this does not mean fisticuffs with the person from IT who shoved in front of you at the coffee machine.
'In-flight' - does not mean that your boss is sipping a G&T whilst on his way to Tenerife.
'Roadmap' - does not mean getting out your A-Z in order to navigate the Leeds loop road.
'Agile working' - does not mean sliding across your boss's desk Starskey & Hutch style.
'Baked in' - does not mean finding a squashed muffin between the pages of the finance report.
and, most importantly:
'Deep dive' - does not mean either (a) something rude or (b) you have to turn up to the meeting in full-on scuba gear ... oops, my bad.
This is how I usually deal with change - humour, sarcasm, irony. I know, I know, it's a cheap shot but hey, it works for me.
How do you deal with change? Here's a few more sensible tips for you to try:
Keep a look out for next week's blog and the launch of 'Mash up May'
When it all started to become very real and my start date was approaching, I basically lost my sh*t. Eek, I can't do this, I know nothing about finance (I'd never even temped in the finance industry, I literally knew nothing), I'm too old to learn new things, no-one will like me etc etc. In a funny kind of way, it actually helped that I knew nothing about the industry as it meant that I had no choice but to throw myself fully in the role. By the way, the excuse about learning new things is a complete lie - I love learning new things, I'm a complete and utter geek about learning new things and you're NEVER too old!!
Something I did have to get my head round pretty quickly was the new lingo and, having been out of the private sector for so long, I'd forgotten even the most basic of business terminology. I even had to ask what BAU meant - Business as usual - doh!! However, there were still quite a few that I'd never come across before and below are the ones that made me giggle because in my head they meant something completely different .....
'Reaching out' - when someone 'reaches out' to you, it does not mean that your colleague is asking you out on a date. #awkward
'Pushing back' - fully deserved but this does not mean fisticuffs with the person from IT who shoved in front of you at the coffee machine.
'In-flight' - does not mean that your boss is sipping a G&T whilst on his way to Tenerife.
'Roadmap' - does not mean getting out your A-Z in order to navigate the Leeds loop road.
'Agile working' - does not mean sliding across your boss's desk Starskey & Hutch style.
'Baked in' - does not mean finding a squashed muffin between the pages of the finance report.
and, most importantly:
'Deep dive' - does not mean either (a) something rude or (b) you have to turn up to the meeting in full-on scuba gear ... oops, my bad.
This is how I usually deal with change - humour, sarcasm, irony. I know, I know, it's a cheap shot but hey, it works for me.
How do you deal with change? Here's a few more sensible tips for you to try:
- Always try to remain positive. Find something, anything, that you can be positive about and take it from there.
- Change is constant no matter what. Recognise this and accept that there will always be changes in life.
- Keep connected to your friends and family. You might feel like hiding away but keep the communication channels open with those people closest to you.
- If you've changed jobs then make the effort to get to know people. A smile and simply saying hello can go a long way. We all had a first day in a new job.
- Self-reflect. Take the time to consider the change that has happened. If you instigated it, then write down what you want from this change, future goals etc. If it was a change that happened unexpectedly and was out of your control then write down some coping mechanisms and make a plan on how you can move forwards.
- Take the opportunity to learn new skills. The more prepared you are for changes in the future, the better you will feel.
- Ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions of yourself and others. Understanding the change goes a long way to feeling more confident about things.
- Remember that change in itself is not bad. It might be a 'bad' situation but we need change in order to evolve as humans. Change makes us stronger. It's the common connection between us all.
It's almost time to wave goodbye to #awesomeapril and welcome ....
#mashupmay!!
#mashupmay!!
Keep a look out for next week's blog and the launch of 'Mash up May'
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