4 Easy Ways to Effectively Deal with Change in Your Life

“We must look at change as possibility, a chance to be more successful.”
Rick Pitino

Change is inevitable in our world today. From changes in technology to changes in the workplace, our communities, schools, and even our homes, things are constantly evolving. Change can be difficult to deal with, but it can also present wonderful opportunities and experiences to learn and grow as a person. So, how do you react to change? Do you shun it or embrace it? Or are you somewhere in-between? Making change work for you rather than against you is an important characteristic of a good leader, and it can help you have a more rewarding and successful life.

Often, we can be scared of change, because in most instances, we cannot control it. This lack of control and uncertainty over the effects of change can be distressing. However, it can also be exhilarating and motivating, and it can cause deep reflection, self-evaluation and ultimately excellence. Viewing change as an opportunity to learn and experience new things will help you through it.  I like to image change as a challenge and a springboard to success rather than a hindrance and a roadblock. The following are four basic ideas to help you not only cope but conquer change in your world.

1. Be Flexible and Prepared

To deal with change effectively, you must be prepared and be flexible. You must accept that things in this world are constantly changing, especially in our modern times. You also must understand things won’t always be the way they are right now, so you will need to learn to adapt and do things differently when the time comes. Remember, life is full of unexpected surprises, and how we choose to react to them will define us as a person. Additionally, it is impossible to shelter ourselves from change, because change is inevitable. So, be prepared, flexible, and willing to deal with change as it comes.

2. Be Positive

When dealing with a difficult change, try to remain positive. Though this can be tricky, look for ways the change may help you. Search for lessons you can learn from the change, and try to discover the meaning behind the change. Also, change often is good in the long run even though in the present it may seem anything but good. Remember, though the uncertainty change produces is unsettling, it can help shape you and drive you to become a better person. Having a positive attitude will greatly enhance your ability to deal with change effectively.

3. Be Confident

It is important to be confident with change. Often we fear change, because we are afraid that somehow we will be less successful or less capable because of the change. It is important to be confident that regardless of any type of change, you can be successful.  And if you examine things closely, the truth is, you’ve successfully dealt with change your whole life.  At times it may take significant effort, but have the confidence and determination that if you’ve been successful before the change, you can surely be successful after it.

4. Live a Purpose Driven Life

Try to have a purpose in life that defines you as a person. Be true to yourself. This will help you deal with change, because it can provide a constant anchor amidst these tumultuous times of change. Being firm in who you are and what you believe in will help build your confidence, and it will give you something that is firm and solid--something that can only be changed by you. Living a purpose driven life will effectively help you in dealing with change.

Learning the power that lies in being able to change is essential in our world today. Many leaders fail because of their inability to accept and adapt to change. Don’t let change ruin who you are, what you feel, or how you view the world. As you learn to accept and embrace change, you will become a more effective leader, and you will be ready to have success in this very dynamic world we live in. It’s exciting!! So start developing your ability to deal with change effectively today!