Embracing Change

by Shala J. LaTorraca ◊ Jun 15, 2012

Transition…the new word for “change.” I’m sure you’ve heard it and have probably used it. The word “transition” seems to be more palatable than the negative connotations that are attached to its predecessor, “change.” I have heard of very few people who really enjoy change; however, most of life is comprised of change – jobs, marital status, addition of children, the actual seasons (fall, winter…), moving to a new home, aging, and the list goes on.

I figure that if change is such a part of life, then we need to learn how to deal with it. I was looking through how to embrace change and here are some principles shared by Howard Hendricks in The Monday Morning Mission. First, people must see the value of change as it affects their personal lives. Second, they must understand the plan – how the change will be happening. And, third, they must be involved in making the change happen.

Think of a time when you felt helpless and it seemed that you had no control over the change taking place? How did that make you feel? I can sense the anxiety, even now, as I write this. Now, think of a different episode when you were a part of the decision making process of change. Did you have a different sense? It was much less stressful, in my opinion.

Get involved with change. Jump right on in there. And, let’s face it and help those around us (co-workers, family, etc.) deal with transition, change, or whatever you want to call it, in a better way.

P.S. Since these principles were taken from a book about Monday mornings, I thought I would share the following. Did you know that you should enjoy Mondays because they are one-seventh of life? Yep, that’s .1429 percent (if my calculations are correct). Wishing Monday away, wishes a high percentage of life away. Enjoy!