How to Manage the Process of Change

Change is inevitable; it happens whether we want it or not. Change can be losing your job, the death of a loved one, getting a promotion or tying the knot. Both good and bad changes; without them, we couldn't grow and move forward. Even the changes we seek out can leave us anxious. We can't stop change from happening, but we can learn to better manage it.

Instructions

• 1

  Know that you are not alone. Change comes to everyone, without regard for age, sex, status or race. Someone out there somewhere has been through what you're going through.

• 2

  Try to be optimistic. Change may bring new and unforeseen opportunities. You've lost your job, but this may be your chance to go back to school and finish your degree.

• 3

  Let go of the past. You can't change what has happened, but you can move forward. Focus on what you can do, what you want and what the next steps might be. Create a plan -- one that's realistic and manageable -- and keep moving.

• 4

  Allow people to help you. Lean on your support system; that's what they're for! Turn to family, friends, counselors, spiritual leaders and co-workers for advice and a helping hand.

• 5

  Recognize that the negative feelings surrounding life changes -- fear, uncertainty and guilt -- are fleeting. You can banish them and replace them with time and effort and begin to feel hopeful, energized and full of purpose again.

• 6

  Take care of yourself: eating right, getting enough sleep and getting plenty of exercise can help you be strong and healthy and better able to face life's challenges.

• 7

  Make a clean sweep. Don't underestimate the power of organization, decluttering and cleaning house to put a new light on things.

• 8

  Each difficult change in our lives prepares us for the next: You're gaining valuable life lessons by struggling through the difficulties of change, and the next one may not be as hard to manage. Try to learn something from your experience of change.