18 Oct We often hear about managing change, but what about enjoying change?
I’m typing this in a hotel in Melbourne; for those who’re not aware, I live in Sydney.
I’m down here to speak to several hundred employees of a large and well-known Australian business about … change! Or more specifically, staying positive in the face of massive and constant change.
Over the years, change (of some sort or other) has been a constant in my work. I’ve frequently been called in to help teams and organisations cope with organisational change, global economic or political change, changes in management and, well, so much more.
And more often than not, the assumption has been that coping with change is difficult.
Which it often is.
But for me today, the change in my setting and the change in my routine is enjoyable. The different context and the different flow to my day is making me feel re-energised and, dare I say it, happy.
It seems that the common emotions attached to change are stress and anxiety; but can we experience joy and happiness, excitement and optimism, in association with change?
Yes we can!
Now, I fully acknowledge that the change I’m experienced is not being forced upon me and it’s definitely nothing that’s threatening to my job or role or life in any way. I know my experience is different to that of many to whom I’m often asked to talk.
But at the same time, it’s not completely different. And at the same time, it’s very possible that those who find change stressful or unpleasant could benefit from adopting the mindset to which I’ve briefly referred above.
If you’re going through change, in your professional or personal life, can you look for positives? Are there ways this might (even if it’s in the longer term) bring about more happiness or other positive emotions? Is there any way you can savour and enjoy the prospect of something new and different?
Just a thought. But just a thought I hope even just a few of you find helpful …