The Balance of Change
If we ask different people the meaning of the word change, we will receive several answers, probably with more negative than positive connotations.
We seek the pleasure of comfort, of what we know, and which gives us the security of predictability. However, we also seek challenges and evolution, and that the balance between our different dimensions of life (professional, family, social, personal well-being) remains rewarding.
How to reconcile all of this, at a stage of life that has very little stability and balance?
Doing what we like, with whom we like and putting “how we are” into it, without artifices, obtaining the results we set out to achieve, with meaning and meaning for our objectives and goals, are lessons learned that worked in the past, to make us feel motivated, accomplished, alive!
How am I going to find the lost balance? When does life go back to what it was before?
Feeling good, being healthy and being able to balance the various dimensions of your life, acquires even more importance and a new urgency – the happy person is more productive, in all domains of his life!
The opposite scenario is not an alternative! Prolonged stress weakens the immune system, leaving us more vulnerable – physically, mentally and emotionally. People become more rigid, less able to learn and adapt, more anxious and less sociable – which further fuels cycles of negative stress, and self-confirmation of failure dialogues.
Our ability to choose, as well as the control we perceive over situations, play an important role in the way we deal with stressors. We are not passive in the face of stress! We can manage it and set an example for others to follow.
What can we do to (re)find our balance?
- Change! Our thoughts and, consequently, our narratives and behaviors, to obtain new and better results.
- Influencing the people closest to us (direct employees, colleagues, family, friends, …) through the example of our behavior.
- Empower ourselves by increasing the energy, resources and resilience needed to deal physically, mentally and emotionally with situations.
One suggestion I have is to start identifying your sources of stress. Identify those on which you want and can intervene. Then consider some of the following practical suggestions:
- Face changes as part of everyday life and develop alternative plans, increasing your flexibility of action.
- Be realistic when planning your days (ask yourself: “Am I trying to be superman?”).
- Assume your strengths and also your shortcomings – which will strengthen relationships of trust and mutual help.
- Learn from others – strengthen your listening and sharing skills (involve others in this process of change and improvement – it costs less and multiplies the results).
- Avoid task overload, say “no” assertively (without closing doors, open alternative windows) and delegate (without overloading the other!).
- Learn to take short breaks throughout the day (regenerating the energy you need to keep going).
- Take small steps – move forward with confidence of the success of the next step.
“People who try to grow, who become more comfortable with change, who develop notions of leadership […] are typically encouraged by a feeling that what they are doing is what is right for them, their families and their organizations. That sense of purpose buoys and inspires them through difficult times.” – John Kotter, “Leading Change”.