Hi Reader

I hope and pray that you have had a great week. I can’t believe we find ourselves in August. 

Like many across the world, you probably find yourself rapidly approaching a change in season.  It’s been extremely cold here in rural South Australia and I am looking forward to Spring.

Whether it be a change in seasonal weather, a change in personal circumstances or a change we find ourselves helping a loved one through, there are 5 ingredients experience has taught me that need consideration. 

1.      Embrace Flexibility

a)      An Open-Mindset:  This is extremely important if you are going to approach change without limitation.  Having an open mindset will include questioning your current assumptions and being open to new perspectives and ideas.

b)     Micro-skills: If you are going to provide yourself the opportunity to have an open mindset, it is important to embrace micro-skills that will allow you to explore different assumptions and opportunities.  These skills include practice listening active listening to comprehend the context and nuances of the change.  It also includes asking yourself and others open ended questions so that you can integrate new information into your decision-making process.

2.      Manage Emotional Responses

a) Acknowledge Your Feelings:  While you may wish to avoid feelings when confronting change, acknowledging your emotions is an important step in creating change without our lives.  Change can bring a wide range of emotions.  While it is natural for change to bring feelings of discomfort and resistance, it can also bring joy and excitement.  No matter the emotion, it is important to process these emotions rather than suppressing them.  In processing your emotions, you can build emotional resilience over time.

b) Increase Self-Care: Change can be stressful.  Therefore, it is important to prioritize self-care practices that help you manage stress. This may include exercise, meditation, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy.  Remember to meet your basic needs in life and then incorporate strategies that will embrace your ability to cope with change.

3. Build Resilience

a)      Focus on What You Can Control: Noone likes dealing with uncertain situations. Therefore, it is important to concentrate on aspects you can influence to reduce feelings of helplessness. This approach fosters a sense of personal agency and can lead to personal growth.

b)      Learn New Skills:  When coping with change it is important to use change as a mechanism to expand your skill set.  New skills may be obtained through formal education or taking the opportunity to learn skills from life experiences, people we know and trust or simply allowing yourself the time to play and be carefree.  

4. Seek Support

a)      Communicate Openly: When you are learning to cope with change it is important to communicate with trusted friends, family, or colleagues. Open communication provides an avenue for emotional support and new insights into the change you are facing.

b)      Consider Professional Help: If adapting to change feels overwhelming, working with a mental health professional can provide you with tailored strategies and coping mechanisms that suit your personal circumstances.

5    Reflect and Reframe

a)      Reframe Your Perspective:  You will cope with change a lot better if you view change as a chance for growth rather than a setback.  Observing and taking note of a variety of perspectives can help you appreciate the potential benefits that come will come with a change to your circumstances.

b)      Reflect on Past Changes: One question I believe is important to ask ourselves is “what have I done in the past to cope with change”?  Reflecting on the moments where you have adapted to change provides valuable insights and boost your confidence in handling current transitions.

By implementing these strategies, you will be more likely to overcome the changes you will confront across your lifetime. 

If you need help coping with change, please feel free to email me at jacobswriting@outlook.com