Change Is Hard. And For Some, It Is Even Harder
Meditations for Career Changers
Change Is Hard. And For Some, It Is Even Harder
As a New York City Career Counselor and NYC Career Coach who has worked with thousands of New York City executives seeking job and career search advice, I wanted to write about changes in our lives and how we deal with the everyday grind…
Can you deal with change?
Change is often good for you. How many times have you heard that and not felt it? Perhaps you do not like change, or you are scared of it or don’t know how to handle it? If so, you are not alone. Many people don’t like change, or, let’s say they’re not used to it. Many of us get comfortable with the status quo in our lives. However, whether or not we like change, we’re all confronted with it throughout our lifetime. We choose some changes, but others are forced upon us.
If you know change is coming, stopping your old routine can be daunting. You may begin to feel out of sorts, befuddled or alone. This is perfectly natural. Feeling out of control is uncomfortable, but it does have its benefits. For example, discovery happens when we can make a change that opens up a whole new way of life. Hopefully, then we learn to be open to change, and not paralyzed by it.
Unfortunately, the feeling for many people is; “the devil you know is better than the devil you do not know.” The key is to understand that change is inevitable, whether sought out or forced upon us, so it is helpful to begin learning coping techniques now.
There are many things you can do to conquer your fear of change. It’s helpful to know people who have made positive changes in their lives and start to watch those who have made these positive changes. If you don’t know anyone in your immediate circle, seek out people who have made changes and talk to them. Ask them questions. You’ll find that many of them harbored similar fears and reservations in their past.
Some Strategies for Handling Change
1. Set aside a regular time and place to be alone
2. Accept where you are now and don’t fight it
3. Manage financial stressors to the best of your ability
4. Keep a journal about your thoughts and feelings as they relate to change
5. Give yourself adequate time to make the change. Don’t expect things to happen overnight
If you would like to know more about the value of change and the acceptance of change in our world as well as Lynn Berger’s other meditations and strategies for New York professionals and career success, please give her a call at 212-289-5197.