Every day, we are faced with a myriad of choices. In fact, it’s estimated that we make roughly 35,000 decisions each day. 35,000!!! Some decisions are relatively small in the grand scheme of things (waffles or pancakes for breakfast), while others are much more significant and complex (resign from your stable job to pursue your dreams as an entrepreneur). Add in the pressure of dealing with all those choices during a time of change and the stress multiplies exponentially!
So how can we effectively handle dealing with choices during times of change? It all comes down to mindset! We have the power to change our circumstances based on our choices. When we feel empowered that we actually do have options, even during uncertain times, it helps us get through those unforeseen changes. There is also immense value in surrounding yourself with people who can help you see your options, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for their perspective. When we do this, it further reinforces that we do have options and choices and aren’t bound by our circumstances. Asking something as simple as asking "Why is this change important?" can help you take baby steps to embrace the change.
For example, being part of a mastermind group or having a mentor at work or being a member of an association with like-minded individuals all serve as great sounding boards to turn to when dealing with change. It gives you the opportunity to get advice, input, and suggestions on how other people have dealt with similar changes to what you’re facing. As a member of the National Speakers Association, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to other members for advice and support, especially during the past year which has been full of uncertainty and unpredictability.
Another aspect to consider are the choices we have when we're trying to create change. Perhaps you’d like to improve your physical health, so you make the conscious choice to take the stairs instead of the elevator or have a salad for lunch instead of a burger with fries. Maybe you want to spend more quality time with your family so you choose to put the phone down, turn off Netflix, log out of Facebook and carve out time for family game night or a twilight picnic dinner in the backyard. If you’re looking to learn a new skill for work, you make the effort to enroll in that seminar or attend that conference. All of these choices can propel you towards the change you’re looking to make.
Change can be scary and stressful, but it can also empower us and lead us to start making better choices, whether we are creating the change or facing a change.
BONUS: In the words of Albert Einstein, “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”
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