What a whirlwind of a month October has been! The economy has taken a plunge, the national elections are looming, and emotions are running high.
Many are behaving as if they didn't see this coming. Is that possible? I guess it is. Intellectually, we understand that change is always around the corner, but deep down we love predictability. We tend to lull ourselves into a false sense of security and choose to believe that "This isn't going to happen to me!" When it does happen, we exclaim that we didn't see it coming.
I remember when I first heard about the curve of transition and the stages one goes through when change happens. The stages are: denial, anger, exploration, integration, and preparation.
As we go through the stages of transition, the time finally comes when we find ourselves in a new environment. We begin to feel good about the changes and start to enjoy the new stage in our life. Having been forged in the fire of transition, we come to the other side ready to assume a new identity, a new role, and be at peace with ourselves. It is at this point, that we enter the stage of preparation.
The best time to prepare for change is when things are going well. I don't know many people who do that, do you? But it pays to think ahead and have an exit strategy no matter how safe you feel. It's not about waiting for the "other shoe to drop." It's about being pro-active and having a plan. A good plan can include the following:
1.) An emergency fund. Usually, six to 12 months of living expenses in a savings account. Doing so will allow you to plan your next move carefully instead of rushing.
2.) Your support system. For example, create your personal board of directors, a group of people you can go to for feedback, guidance, and advice.
3.) Alliances and a network within your professional environment. Let your alliances know
what is happening.
4.) Keeping up with the job market trends. Always find ways to expand your skills and increase your marketability. Know your options.
5.) Knowing the rules of the game. Educate yourself as to what you have control over
Keeping your family informed. Don't keep the people closest to you in the dark. You deserve their support and they deserve to know what's going on with you and not be surprised.
If you find yourself in the midst of transition, whether you initiated change or change was imposed on you, there are things you can do to avoid becoming overwhelmed with anxiety and fear.
1.) Understand that feelings of anger, confusion, resentment, sadness, fear, guilt, or blame, are normal. Give yourself the space and time to go through this stage.
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