Christina South  

Below are the show notes for the August 6th addition of Conscious-Life Radio

On August 6, 2008 Pam Roberton, Phd gave these seven tips to handle change. Please visit her website to find out more: www.pamrobertson.lifesuccessconsultants.com and www.wuwbestseller.com


 7 tips to handle change:

 1) Get into it

The more you get involved in the changes, the more you can do about what the end result is. Don’t be a bystander; get involved.

(Example: we may think that things are changing and we have no choice but to get on board. Really, we always have choices, its just hat we don’t always like the consequences. How do I cap my spending if I have all these expenses? Do I get married? Divorced?)

 2) Gather the right people

Being the lone change agent can be necessary but is not as effective as having a team. Ask your family or friends for volunteers that have the strengths that you need and you might even be surprised at the results.

3) Be an original

Think differently than others when it comes to change. Not everything is about following all the rules; it’s about asking what’s possible here, and what is it that I really want? That means that you also have to know what you really want.

 4) Foster urgency

Change requires energy. Foster a sense of urgency to keep you and the people around you motivated excited even about what is to come. Your goal is to create a level of energy that removes any thoughts of complacency or resistance.

5) Manage emotions

Resistance to change is not just natural; it can be very emotional. Don’t avoid the emotions that come with the change process; set the mood to keep on top of the emotions so they don’t overtake you. Keep communicating.

(Example: Kids can find change really, really hard. They like routing, and they need consistency. If they feel that all of a sudden things are changing, they won’t just resist, they’ll rebel, revolt and throw tantrums. You’ve got to talk to them, be open with them and also be honest about your own feelings [though not necessarily telling the kids]. If you are changing discipline, moving or whatever, prepare the kids, and be ready for their emotions. Help them to grow through this, and to see that their return to routine and stability are coming back.)

6) Talk it out

In times of change, people have an intense need for information. Communicate, check-in and be OPEN to their feelings and feedback. It doesn’t mean that you have to change your mind nor stop the change process; just be open. Be compassionate.  

 7) Stop wishing

People often “wish” for things to be different, but they actually focus on negativity that’s surrounding them. Instead of working on getting to something – a goal, say – they actually focus on what they don’t want (I hate way I look, I hate this outfit, my spouse makes me crazy, I don’t have enough money). The trouble with that kind of thinking is that what we believe, we achieve. So if you think negatively, don’t be surprised if you are surrounded by the things you didn’t want.

We know that some people are not big on the planning phase, but when it comes to change, the surprises are what can really rattle some folks. Having a plan means that there are fewer surprises and that the parts of the change that you can control are under your control.

 Change is really a process. We don’t have to be afraid of it, and having a plan means we have the tools to get through it without becoming overwhelmed or scared to death. I’ve moved 21 times in my 42 years, and worked in 7 different occupations; that’s a lot of change, but I find now that when things get too quiet, I am just itching for SOMETHING to happen and I go looking for it. Not everyone’s cup of tea, I know, but change can bring some excitement into your life. Just let it!

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